“Open your shirt and look…”: Indradev Maharaj comments Spark Row; public demands action

Vrindavan storyteller Mahamandaleshwar Indradev Maharaj sparked controversy over his remarks about Goddess Sita in a recent speech. Indradev Maharaj, a resident of Shri Radha Kishori Dham at Parikrama Marg in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, commented on the actors playing Goddess Sita and Lord Rama in the Ramlila show, claiming that they smoked and drank alcohol.

Indradev Maharaj said in his speech: “We have all seen them, go and open the shirt and see, this is not Sita, but the complete Kumbakarna.” Indradev Maharaj said Video of Hallaj's controversial remarks went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and prompting calls for legal action against him. Many people are demanding an FIR be filed against Indradev Maharaj for his comments about Goddess Sita and Lord Rama.

Responding to the escalating backlash, Indradev Maharaj issued an apology, clarifying that his intention was not to insult God or offend anyone's sensibilities. He explained that he was recounting childhood observations to an audience in Viaspis.

However, religious organizations are still not satisfied with Indradev Maharaj's apology. Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha former state vice-president Pandit Sanjay Haryana has strongly advocated legal action. He urged the senior superintendent of police to initiate proceedings against Indradev Maharaj for his previous alleged disrespect of religious symbols.

He also emphasized that Indradev Maharaj's comments about Goddess Sita and Lord Rama were intolerable and required strict action. He insisted such behavior cannot be excused and must face appropriate consequences.

The incident comes soon after another controversial incident involving Mahashivpuran narrator Pradeep Mishra, who had recently published an article about Lord Krishna's admirer Radha Radha Rani's remarks further aroused religious sensitivities.