Dhirendra Shastri’ ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta Padayatra’: A Call for Hindu Unity

Pithadhishwar Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham has recently been in the news for leading a significant foot march, known as the ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta Padayatra’ (Sanatan Hindu Unity Foot March). These expansive yatras, which have taken place in different routes and times (for instance, one from Bageshwar Dham to Orchha, and a more recent one from Delhi to Vrindavan), are spearheaded by the spiritual leader with the core objective of fostering unity and awareness within the Hindu community.

The Core Purpose of the Padayatra

The primary stated goal of the ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta Padayatra’ is the promotion of Hindu solidarity by transcending internal divisions like casteism, discrimination, and untouchability. Acharya Shastri consistently emphasizes that the march is a journey of “Hindu awakening,” explicitly focused on nationalism, not casteism. The overarching message conveyed to the massive number of devotees and participants—sometimes estimated in the tens of thousands—is the need for a unified front to strengthen the nation and push for the concept of a Hindu Nation (Hindu Rashtra).

During his speeches and interactions along the route, Dhirendra Shastri has made it clear that while the yatra aims for Hindu unity, it is not “marching against Muslims, but in support of Hindus.” The daily proceedings often begin with the national anthem and a recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, and participants take daily pledges to reinforce the message of unity and national spirit.

Route, Scale, and Prominent Participation

The yatras draw an immense amount of public attention and are massive in scale.

• Delhi to Vrindavan (A Recent Instance): One such recent march began from the Chhatarpur Mandir complex (Aadya Katyayani Mandir) in Delhi and was planned to cover a distance of approximately 145 to 170 kilometers, spanning the three states of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, to conclude at the Shree Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan. The logistical challenge is immense, leading to traffic diversions and heavy security detail along the route, particularly in urban areas like Faridabad.
• VIP and Celebrity Presence: The wide appeal of Acharya Shastri’s movement is often highlighted by the participation of prominent figures from various fields. During the Delhi-Vrindavan yatra, notable individuals like former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and politician Manohar Lal Khattar joined the march, significantly amplifying its national visibility and sparking widespread discussion on its social and political implications.

Impact and Public Discourse

The ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta Padayatra’ has a noticeable impact, both in terms of mobilizing large crowds and generating significant media coverage.

• Mobilization: The sheer volume of people—sometimes reaching over 40,000 registered participants—underscores the spiritual leader’s influence. The journey acts as a major public spectacle, with a vast number of followers showing enthusiasm and devotion along the entire route.
• Logistical Challenges: The movement of such a large crowd requires substantial police and administrative oversight, often resulting in traffic snarls and route diversions in the towns and cities the procession passes through, which commuters and local authorities must manage.
• Controversy and Support: The Padayatra operates within a charged political and religious atmosphere. While followers and supporting leaders view it as a constructive movement for social harmony and religious awakening, critics often scrutinize its nationalist rhetoric and massive public demonstrations. Nevertheless, for the devotees, the journey remains a profound expression of faith and commitment to the cause of Hindu unity.