Varanasi: Ajay Sharma, the State President of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal, who was recently released from jail after leading the removal of Sai Baba idols from 14 temples in Varanasi, has reignited debates on the worship of Sai Baba in Sanatan temples. In a detailed interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Sharma defended his controversial actions, positioning them as an effort to safeguard Sanatan Dharma and the religious traditions of Kashi.
“Sai Baba Idols Have No Place in Sanatan Temples”
Sharma clarified that the removal of the Sai Baba statues was not an act of religious intolerance but an assertion of Sanatan religious customs. “If you want to worship Sai Baba, do it in a Sai temple. Chand Miyan will not be worshipped in a Shiva temple,” he declared, referring to the controversial view among certain Hindu groups that Sai Baba, a revered saint, should not be equated with Hindu deities.
He argued that Sai Baba, who was born in a Muslim household and later became a revered saint, does not have a place in traditional Sanatan temples. “There is no mention of Sai worship in the sacred texts like Kashi Khand, which dictates whom we worship in Kashi,” Sharma stated, citing that the focus in temples should remain on deities like Shiva and the Shiva family, as per Hindu scriptures.
Idols Removed with Consent, Given ‘Jal Samadhi’
When asked about the whereabouts of the removed idols, Sharma assured that no idol was broken during the process. “Some idols were given Jal Samadhi (ritual immersion in water), because Sai Baba was a saint, and in Sanatan tradition, saints are given Jal Samadhi,” he explained. He also emphasized that the removal was done with the consent of temple priests and Mahants (religious heads).
Public Support and Backing from Religious Leaders
Sharma’s actions have garnered support from several influential religious figures, including Mahant Raju Das of Ayodhya’s Hanumangarhi and Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati of Dwarka Sharada Peeth, both of whom praised his campaign. Despite criticism, Sharma claims that his campaign is gaining momentum, with public backing from Sanatan followers.
Campaign to Continue, Despite Health Issues
Sharma revealed his plans to continue his campaign to “cleanse” Sanatan temples of non-Sanatani idols, announcing that he would also encourage sculptors not to create Sai Baba statues. His next move, he said, would involve placing stone plaques at temples in Varanasi, prohibiting entry to non-Sanatani individuals.
Though his health has suffered during his jail stint, where he was reportedly denied medical treatment, Sharma remains determined to push forward with his mission. “This is about protecting Sanatan Dharma for future generations,” he said.
Shirdi Trust Accusations and Legal Battle
Sharma also leveled accusations against the Shirdi Sai Trust, claiming that they paid significant amounts—ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh—to have Sai Baba statues installed in temples. He called for an investigation into these financial dealings, which he believes have compromised the integrity of Sanatan temples.
Responding to criticism that his actions were politically motivated, Sharma vehemently denied any connection to upcoming elections in Maharashtra, where Sai Baba has a massive following. “We are Sanatanis, not politicians,” he asserted, reiterating that his actions were purely religious and not influenced by any political agenda.
