Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, one of the leading Hindu spiritual leaders and Padma Vibhushan awardee, has been in the spotlight after his recent remarks on other saints and Sanskrit knowledge. Critics had accused him of arrogance and disrespect, but the spiritual guru defended himself and shared strong views on religion, society, politics, and international affairs in an exclusive interaction at his Chitrakoot ashram.
‘Envy drives my critics’
Swami Rambhadracharya rejected the charge of arrogance. He said narrating his achievements was not ego, but a natural disposition. “Those who did not get recognition or awards accuse others of being arrogant,” he remarked. He stressed he never insulted saints but only opposed what he considered wrong.
He criticised story narrators who mix Ram katha with Islamic chants. “One who narrates Ram Katha but inserts ‘Moula Ali–Moula Ali’ in between should not be heard,” he said during an exclusive interview by Dainik Bhaskar.
On Sanskrit and Hanuman Chalisa
Attacking those who raised doubts on his Sanskrit command, Swami said, “Today without study, everyone wants to be Valmiki or Ved Vyas. They do not care to understand me. They feel jealous of my achievements and try character assassination.”
On the controversy over Hanuman Chalisa, he clarified he had not made corrections but only restored the original text.“Hanuman is not the son of Lord Shiva. In truth, Shiva himself manifested as Hanuman. The correct phrase is ‘Shankar Swayam Kesari Nandan’,” he explained.
Kalki Avatar and Hindu Exodus
Speaking on future divine incarnation, Swami Rambhadracharya said the Kalki avatar will take place in Sambhal. He expressed concern over the plight of Hindus in the region. “Hindus are leaving Sambhal. The government must stop this. According to scriptures, only 5,252 years of Kaliyuga have passed, while its span is 432,000 years. The avatar is far away,” he noted.
On Hindu–Muslim Relations
The Jagadguru revisited history, saying the land of Hindus had been seized many times. “In the Ram Janmabhoomi struggle, thousands of Hindus died,” he said. According to him, social harmony can come only when cultural values return. “Sanskar is the cure. When society accepts discipline and values, enmity will reduce,” he declared.
Social Views: Population and Caste
The saint opposed the “Hum do, hamare do” (two children policy). In his view, Hindu families should have at least two or three children. He also promoted “ghar wapsi” within Hindu society.
Clarifying caste discrimination, he said the word Shudra does not mean inferior. “It actually means one who is blessed by God,” he explained.
On Modi Government and Global Relations
Swami Rambhadracharya strongly supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “He should return to power again. Even after him, a leader will surely arise who will keep national interest supreme.”
Regarding international politics, he criticised the United States for raising taxes on India. He described the Modi government’s outreach to China as necessary. “Improving ties with China is vital if we want our land back. It is a good step,” he said.
Crime and Social Decay
Reacting to crimes against children and women, he said such incidents are not a product of Kaliyuga alone. “In earlier times too, such crimes happened. The difference is, media was not active then,” he observed. He emphasised that the only solution lies in cultural education. “Crimes will fall when Sanskrit learning spreads, and people live by Indian culture,” he argued.
Knowledge and Devotion
On the debate between the path of knowledge and the path of devotion, the Jagadguru said there is no conflict. “The peak of knowledge is devotion, and the peak of devotion is knowledge. Both are one,” he asserted.
Medical University in Chitrakoot
Highlighting the lack of healthcare in his region, he revealed his plan to establish a medical university in Chitrakoot. “It will not only have a medical college but will also include all systems of medicine,” he said.
Swami Rambhadracharya sent out a strong message for the future of India. “Sanskar and Sanskrit are the true strength of Indian civilisation. If these spread, crimes will reduce and the Hindu community will grow stronger,” he said.
At the end of the interaction, he expressed confidence that cultural revival under Modi’s leadership will secure India’s future.
