Jhansi: Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the prominent head of Bageshwar Dham known for his ‘divya darbars’ (divine courts) and fortune-telling on ‘parchas’ (slips of paper), has found himself at the centre of a fresh controversy. A resident of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has openly challenged Shastri’s “miraculous” claims after a written prediction promising the birth of a son turned out to be entirely false.
Rajendra Kumar, who already had three daughters, alleged that Shastri had explicitly predicted a “Putra Yog” (the destined birth of a son) for his family. However, contrary to the godman’s written assurance, Kumar’s wife recently gave birth to their fourth daughter.
According to Kumar, his tryst with Bageshwar Dham began in March 2024 when he visited the ashram seeking a spiritual remedy for his wife’s recurring health issues. In May 2024, the couple was called forward during Shastri’s public court.
“My wife was suffering from some issues, which he accurately noted down on his slip. When he asked us if the duration of the problem was correct, we agreed,” Kumar recounted in his statement. “Then, at the bottom of the slip, he clearly wrote that ‘Putra Yog’ would be formed.”
Kumar shared that the couple had never intended to have a fourth child, noting that their youngest daughter was already 10 years old at the time. However, heavily swayed by the specific ‘Putra Yog’ prediction and at his wife’s insistence, they decided to conceive in 2025. On June 11, 2026, his wife gave birth to a baby girl.
Calling out the godman’s practices, an upset Kumar expressed his frustration over the blind faith exploited by such figures. “If what is written comes true, it is hailed as Baba’s immense power, but if it goes wrong, it is conveniently blamed on the devotee’s fault. He is merely making wild guesses and spreading illusions under the garb of religion,” he remarked.
Acknowledging that it is difficult for a common man to expose such influential figures alone, Kumar sought assistance from the Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (All India Anti-Superstition Eradication Committee). Harish Deshmukh, the national general secretary of the committee, has gathered all relevant details of the incident. Acting on the organization’s advice, Kumar is now preparing to file a formal police complaint in Jhansi against the self-styled godman.
Despite the failed prediction, the father expressed immense joy and gratitude for the newest addition to his family. Maintaining that he has absolutely no regrets about having another girl, Kumar proudly declared that he will provide her with the best education possible and raise her to become a high-ranking officer.