Sai Baba Varanasi Temples, Sai Baba Idols Varanasi: A new controversy is embroiling in Uttar Pradesh's ancient city of Varanasi previously known as Banaras. Recently, Sai Baba Idols were removed from at least 14 temples of Varanasi, including the main Bada Ganesh temple. Sai Baba Idols removal action is being carried out by Ajay Sharma of Sanatan Rakshak Sena. Varanasi Sai Baba Idols controversy erupted after a few senior Hindu seers and outfits objected to its installation in various Hindu temples in the city. Now, the question arises as to why Sai Baba Idols are being removed from Varanasi Temples. Below is everything you need to know-
As per reports, the Hindu outfits claim that Sai Baba was a Muslim and had no connection with Sanatan Dharma. Hence, Sai Baba Idols are being removed from Hindu Temples. It is reported that the Hindu outfit will extend their action to 28 more temples in the upcoming days. The organizations argue that they do not oppose the worship of Sai Baba, but will not allow his idols to be installed in temples.
A news portal quoted one of the representatives of the outfit. The representative cited the Supreme Court's order which said that Sai Baba should be called "Chand Baba". The representative was quoted saying, "There should have been a protest when the idol was being installed. Today finally the idol has been removed. Earlier in the Shravan month, a priest had commented that this idol should not be there. I advise the Brahmin community to avoid getting involved in such activities. Whoever wants to worship Sai Baba should build his own temple and perform rituals, there is no opposition to it."
When asked about people visiting Shirdi, the representative said, "All faiths are included in Hinduism, that is why people come to Shirdi. There is nothing wrong in it. People can pray wherever they want and there is no interference in anyone's personal life."
It is pertinent to mention here that reports suggest that no administrative officer was present at the time of the removal of the idol. It is said that the campaign is being run under the guidance of Shankaracharya. The Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati had also opposed worshipping Sai Baba saying that he was not a Hindu god. ''There is no mention of Sai Baba in the ancient scriptures,'' he had said. Acharya Dheerendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham had also said that Sai Baba could be worshipped as a 'Mahatma' but not as a god.