Why Bageshwar Dham and its chief Dhirendra Shastri so popular?

A controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh's Chhattarpur over the self-proclaimed saint Pandit Dhirendra Shastri's claim of solving people's problems via "Divya Shakti" in his "Divya Darbar". Pandit Dhirendra Shastri, who shot to fame due to his videos and "katha-vaachan", is a popular face in Madhya Pradesh. A Maharashtra-based organisation, that goes by the name of Andhavishwash Unmoolan Samiti, has challenged Shastri to prove his claims.

History of Bageshwar Dham Temple

Bageshwar Dham, a temple of Lord Hanumana, is said to be around 300 years old, and was built in the starting decades of the 18th century.

The temple was renovated in the year 1986. After this, a saint named Baba Ji Setu Lalji Maharaj arrived here and organised a 'Mahayagya' - a grand prayer that was attended by thousands of people. 

In 2012, the temple got a different identity after a "divine court was organised for the devotees to come with their problems."

Bageshwar Dham's Divya Court (Magical Court)

Every Tuesday and Saturday, a "Divya court is organised at Dham. Shastri first narrates a Katha - the oration of a religious story - that is recorded and uploaded on social media. He then holds the court where he gives "advice and guidance" based on what he calls his "direct connection with God"

Why is Dhirendra Shastri popular? 

Recently, Dhirendra Shastri has gained the limelight for his Ramkatha and Divya Darbar. The main reason for his popularity is said to be the videos of his Kathas on social media, that have gone viral in recent years. Dhirendra Shastri always carries a small Gada with him, and says that it draws the powers of Hanuman ji.