Indira Gandhi married a Parsi, but never converted: Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati

Haridwar: Dwaraka Sharda Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, known for making controversial statements, heaped praise on former prime minister Indira Gandhi, saying that she fell in love with a Parsi and married him, but didn't convert to that particular religion.

While praising Indira Gandhi, the 94-year-old seer said, the ex-PM always worshipped devi devtas and never adopted foreign culture, a report published in Amar Ujala said.

He also said that the Nehru family sacrificed lives while working for the country.

Recently, the Dwaraka-Sharda Peeth Shankaracharya made a controversial statement saying, the entry of women in the Shani Shingnapur temple will lead to crimes such as rapes against them.

Commenting on the drought situation in Maharashtra, the religious leader had said, "The unworthy Sai is being worshipped while the real Gods are ignored. This is happening in Maharashtra and particularly in Shirdi. Hence, Maharashtra is facing drought".

His comments on women's entry in Shani Shingnapur temple was heavily criticised by women activists.