Morari Bapu Ramkatha controversy: The Shri Ram Katha of the famous narrator Morari Bapu was scheduled from 14 to 22 June at the Rudraksha Convention Center in Sigra, Varanasi. The organizers named the story ‘Manas Sindoor’, which was inspired by the Operation Sindoor of the Modi government. Narmada Ben, wife of Morari Bapu, died on 11 June 2025, after which Morari Bapu followed the Sutak period.
Morari Bapu visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple and started Ramakatha, which has arisen. The saints of Kashi and the All India Sant Samiti have opened a front against Morari Bapu, calling it a scripture. This issue remains the subject of discussion on social media too. Many people are in support of saints, while some are standing in favor of Morari Bapu. People say that there are clear rules for religious works during the Sutak period, and their violation hurts religious sentiments.
National General Secretary of All India Sant Samiti Swami Jitendranand Saraswati said that ‘Ramakatha organized in the Sutak period is extremely condemnable. When a person leaves religion and wishes for meaning, it becomes shameful for the society. ‘ Referring to the previous works of Morari Bapu, he said that even before that he got the work like marriage in front of the fire, which is against the dignity of Vyas Peeth. Swami Jitendranand said that Bapu should stop the story till the Sutak period.
Swami Narendranand Saraswati has described the Ramkatha as ‘terrible impeccable’ and ‘scripture’ during the Sutak period. He said that during the Sutak period, the entry into the temple and the touch of the gods is completely forbidden. Morari Bapu has visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple and dissolved the religious Suchita. He has demanded atonement from Bapu and appealed to the Kashi residents to socially boycott his story.
Eminent Jyotishacharya Rishi Maharaj said that ‘In Hinduism, the rules of Sutak period apply to all sects. During this time it is prohibited to go to the temple, touch God or use religious texts. ‘ He emphasized that it is compulsory for every person to follow classical rules, no matter how famous it is.
Morari Bapu has clarified on the dispute. He said that ‘We are monks of Vaishnava tradition. We neither perform action nor answer. Bhajan and story of God gives peace, not sutak. ‘ On Kashi Vishwanath philosophy, he said that ‘we have come to see.’ Bapu claimed that the rules of Sutak period do not apply in the Vaishnav tradition. However, the saints dismissed this argument and said that the rules of the scriptures are equal on all.
