The Raghuvanshi community gathered at the Swaminarayan Temple in Rajkot on Wednesday to protest against controversial remarks made by Swaminarayan monk Gyan Prakash Swami.

The police arrived at the scene and ensured things did not get out of hand. During the protest, community members created a effigy of Gyan Prakash Swami and attempted to burn it, but the police prevented them from doing so. In response, protestors vented their anger by stomping on the effigy, which had a photograph of the monk.

The protestors alleged that Swami made these remarks to elevate his own community above others.

Although the swami had previously issued an apology in a video and removed the controversial viral video, the Raghuvanshi community insisted that he personally visit Virpur and apologise in person at the Jalaram Temple.

Swami to visit Jalaram temple in Virpur to apologise

The remarks made by Gyan Prakash Swami in Surat about Jalaram Bapa of Virpur had triggered widespread outrage among devotees. In response to the controversy, it was announced that the Swami will visit the Jalaram Temple in Virpur to issue a formal apology. The Swaminarayan Vadtal Temple Board is also expected to provide clarification in the matter.

The announcement was made by Jitubhai Lal, president of the Akhil Gujarat Lohana Samaj, during a press conference in Jamnagar.

The Swami’s public apology is expected to bring an end to the controversy.