Varanasi: Sai Baba Idols Removed From 14 Temples, Hindu Organisations Target 28 More, Here's Why

Varanasi temples have removed Sai Baba idols amid controversy wherein Hindu organisations are demanding that temples remove his idols.

A controversy has erupted in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, over the installation of Sai Baba idols in temples. As of now, idols of Sai Baba have been removed from 14 temples, including the prominent Bada Ganesh Mandir. This action is reportedly being led by Ajay Sharma of the Sanatan Rakshak Sena.

According to sources, 28 more temples are being targeted by Hindu organisations, which claim that Sai Baba was a Muslim and had no connection with Sanatan Dharma. The organisations argue that while they do not oppose the worship of Sai Baba, they will not allow his idols to be installed in temples.

Sai Baba Idol Row In Varanasi

In a conversation with ABP News, Deepak Yadav referenced a Supreme Court order stating that Sai Baba should be referred to as "Chand Baba." Following discussions on Sunday, Sai Baba idols were removed from the temples. 

Deepak remarked, "The protest should have occurred when the idol was being installed. Today, the idol has finally been removed. Earlier, during the Shravan month, a priest had commented that this idol should not be there. I advise the Brahmin community to refrain from getting involved in such activities. Anyone who wishes to worship Sai Baba should establish their own temple and perform the rituals; there is no opposition to that."

When asked about people's visits to Shirdi, Deepak explained, "Hinduism accommodates all beliefs, which is why people visit Shirdi. There is nothing wrong with it. People can offer prayers wherever they wish, and there is no interference in anyone's personal life."

Another individual, speaking to ABP News, revealed that no administration officials were present when the idol was removed. He stated that the campaign is being carried out under the guidance of Shankaracharya, adding, "There is no disrespect towards Sai Baba, but he should have a separate place. The idol has been removed from the Bada Ganesh Mandir."

Ajay Sharma, the Uttar Pradesh president of the Sanatan Rakshak Sena, mentioned that Sai Baba's idols have been removed from 14 temples so far, with more removals planned. He explained that the Sai idol was installed in 2013 beside the Anandeshwar Mahadev idol within the Bada Ganesh Mandir complex. Sharma also shared that he used to circumambulate the Sai idol but stopped six years ago, calling the worship of Sai a form of "ghost worship."