'How Can Goddess Lakshmi Have 4 Hands?': SP Leader Swami Prasad Maurya's Controversial Remarks During Diwali Sparks Outrage

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Swami Prasad Maurya, known for his outspoken views on Hinduism, has stirred controversy once again with a provocative statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. In the post, Maurya questioned the traditional depiction of Goddess Lakshmi with four hands.

The SP leader, who is a member of the UP legislative council, said that there is a commonality among those born across religions, castes, races, colours and countries; and everyone share the same physical attributes. He questioned that since no child with four hands, eight hands, 10 hands, or more has been born, why was goddess Lakshmi depicted with four hands. He instead urged people to worship and honour their wives on Deepotsav, stating that they are the true goddesses responsible for nurturing, happiness, prosperity, food and family care.

The statement mixed reactions, with some expressing support for his perspective, while others criticised him for questioning the Hindu deity. One user put for that one should worship mothers before wives, while another backed him emphasising the significance of respecting and worshiping the living.

Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam also reacted on Maurya's remark on goddess Lakshmi, calling UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ban the SP leader from speaking. "Swami Prasad Maurya has got piles in his mouth. He needs treatment. I will ask Yogi Adityanath to put a ban on Maurya speaking," Krishnam told ANI.

Maurya's history of making controversial remarks

Maurya has a history of making controversial statements, including remarks on Lord Ram and Ramcharitmanas, which have previously sparked widespread criticism and debate. In August, he labelled Hinduism as “deceitful” and “a hoax”, sparking widespread condemnation.