Spiritual orator Jaya Kishori recently addressed the controversy surrounding her appearance with a custom Dior bag worth over ₹2 lakh, sparking debate over the intersection of spirituality and materialism. The 29-year-old preacher was photographed with her personalized Dior “Book Tote” at an airport, a moment that quickly went viral. Followers and critics questioned whether the luxury item aligned with her image as a spiritual figure.
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On the expensive handbag, #JayaKishori says,
⦁The bag is a customised bag. There is no leather in it and customised means that you can get it made as per your wish.
⦁I have never used leather, nor will I ever use it.
⦁I never say that everything is ‘moh maya’. pic.twitter.com/AOG8m7djvM
— Smriti Sharma (@SmritiSharma_) October 29, 2024
Responding to critics, Kishori firmly stated, “I am a normal girl, I live in a normal house, I live with my family… I tell the same thing to the youth that you should work hard, earn money, give yourself a good life, give your family a good life, and fulfil your dreams.” She clarified that while the bag is indeed custom and valuable, it was specifically made without any leather.
“The bag is a customised bag. There is no leather in it, and customised means that you can get it made as per your wish. That is why my name is also written on it. I have never used leather, nor will I ever use it,” she explained, emphasizing her values. “Those who have come to my ‘Katha’ know very well that I never say that everything is ‘moh maya,’ don’t earn money, or renounce everything.”
The controversy took a political turn as her critics weighed in, alleging hypocrisy in her public image. Many questioned her credibility as a spiritual preacher who espouses detachment from material wealth. One critic on X remarked, “Spiritual preacher Jaya Kishori deleted her video where she was carrying a Dior bag worth ₹2,10,000. By the way, she preaches non-materialism and calls herself a devotee of Lord Krishna.”
In response to the criticism, Kishori underscored her distinct approach to spirituality. “I have not renounced anything, so how can I tell you to do so?” she said, clarifying her stance on materialism and spiritual guidance. “I am clear from day one that I am not a saint, sadhu, or sadhvi.”
With over 12.3 million followers on Instagram, Jaya Kishori wields significant influence. Her remarks reveal a modern approach to spirituality, juxtaposing traditional values with the realities of contemporary life, bringing the conversation around spiritual leadership, lifestyle choices, and public perception into focus.