'They Haven't Died, Got Moksha': Dhirendra Shastri On Devotees Killed In Maha Kumbh Stampede

Shastri said that though it is saddening that some of the people died at a young age, but claimed that those who die on the banks of the Ganga "do not just die, but attain moksha (liberation)".

Peethadheeshwar Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham

Source : PTI

Peethadheeshwar Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham on Friday said that those who lost heir lives in the stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj haven't died, but have instead attained 'moksha'.

The spiritual leader acknowledged that it is saddening that some of the people passed away at a young age, but asserted that those who die on the banks of the Ganga "do not just die, they attain moksha (liberation)".

"What are my thoughts on this event? People die every day in this country—some due to lack of medicine, some due to heart attacks. This incident is unfortunate and condemnable. But this is Mahaprayag (a sacred confluence). Death is inevitable for everyone; one day, everyone has to leave this world. However, if someone dies on the banks of the Ganga, they do not just die; they attain Moksha (liberation)," Dhirendra Shastri said.

"No one has truly died here. Yes, some have departed before their time, which is saddening. But the truth is, death is certain for all. In reality, they have not died; they have attained Moksha," he added.

At least 30 people were killed and 60 sustained injuries in a stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday. The incident took place between 1 AM and 2 AM when hundreds of pilgrims were headed to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

Maha Kumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna said the incident took place due to the pressure of the crowd. "The crowd broke barricades and jumped to the other side, crushing those waiting there. Over 90 injured were rushed to the hospital, of whom 30 died," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a three-member judicial commission to look into the reasons behind the stampede. The panel comprises of Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retd IAS VK Singh. He has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh each for the kin of the deceased.

The Maha Kumbh kicked off on January 13 and will continue till February 26.