RS MP Nathwani condemns Swaminarayan monk’s remarks on Jalaram Bapa

Ahmedabad: Rajya Sabha MP and Corporate Affairs Director of Reliance Industries Limited, Parimal Nathwani, condemned the controversial remarks made by a Swaminarayan monk about Jalaram Bapa of Virpur on social media today.

In a tweet, Nathwani said, “Not only the Lohana community but the entire Hindu community considers Saint Shiromani Shri Jalaram Bapa to be a divine figure. No one has the right to insult him. Making misleading statements to elevate a sect or individual by undermining Jalaram Bapa is condemnable. Those who have hurt the faith of millions should immediately visit the Virpur Jalaram Bapa temple, accept their mistake, apologize, repent, and ease public resentment.”

A wave of protests has erupted across Saurashtra following controversial remarks by Swaminarayan sect monk Gyanprakash Swami in Surat about Pujya Jalaram Bapa of Virpur, a revered saint known for his charitable work. The monk claimed that Jalaram Bapa would seek blessings from Swaminarayan monk Gunatit Swami and that the free meal distribution at Jalaram Mandir was due to Gunatit Swami’s blessings. These remarks have sparked outrage among devotees, prompting widespread condemnation. In response, Virpur Jalaram Mandir clarified that Jalaram Bapa’s only Guru was Bhojalram Bapa and that the Sadavrat (free meal service) has been running for over 205 years, solely inspired by Bhojalram Bapa. DeshGujarat