The city of energy (Korba) became a center of devotion when Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham came to give a five-day Hanumant Katha. On the very first day the Katha site at Dhapdhap saw the mass turnout of devotees that posed a problem to authorities to control the crowd. Pandit Shastri arrived on stage, and immediately he started by offering a tribute to the spiritual power of Korba and the importance of the city.
Taking care of the delicate matter of religious conversions at Bageshwar dham, he gave stern warnings to the involved parties. There, when referring to missionaries who operated in the neighboring surroundings, he said that they would not be tolerated, he continued by stating that even those who shout Hallelujah around will be punished. This game will not continue. The lost ones will be directed towards their homes. Never had he been as caustic on this topic.
Talking about the importance of Korba, Shastri brought out the national concern of the city with a twist of humor saying, “In case coal in Korba ceases, even Madhya Pradesh will turn black. Lights won’t turn on there.” He was marveling at the love and piety of the people of Korba which he called extraordinary.
Shastri used an emotional appeal and referred to himself as the Bhānchā (nephew), of Chhattisgarh, saying that it was the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya and he was her Bhānchah. Here, I have full rights.” He praised the devotion of the people to the extent that he called them lovingly mad with their religion.
The Hanumant Katha will go on until April 1 with a special Divya Darbar. Pandit Shastri clarified that he is not trying to just tell stories; he aims to flame the fire of Sanatan Dharma immortal and stop religious conversions.