Temple Protocol: Religious rules are stricter in Devbhoomi; Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee prepares to ban entry to 48 pilgrimage sites

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has taken a major step towards banning the entry of non-Hindus at Char Dham and 48 related major pilgrimage sites. Previously, such a ban existed only at the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. Now, this ban will also be implemented at other temples and pilgrimage sites across the country, along with these two Dhams. Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, while providing information about this, said that these pilgrimage sites are spiritual centers of Sanatan Dharma and entry here is a part of religious tradition rather than a civil right.

Hemant Dwivedi said, “All major religious leaders and saints have demanded that non-Hindus should not enter these sacred pilgrimage sites. Char Dham are centers of faith and spiritual practice, not common tourist destinations. This decision has been made to respect the eternal traditions.” This proposal includes 48 shrines such as Kedarnath Dham, Badrinath Dham, Tungnath, Madmaheshwar, Triyuginarayan, Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi, Tapt Kund, Brahmakapal, and Shankaracharya Samadhi.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has supported this proposal. A statement issued by his government said, “Necessary action will be taken based on the opinions of institutions and organizations managing pilgrimage sites in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The state government is positive about prioritizing the decisions of temple committees.” However, this proposal has become controversial in Uttarakhand's political circles, with the Congress raising strong objections.

Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Congress leader Harish Rawat strongly opposed this decision. He said, “People around the world invite others to showcase their culture and religion, but here the opposite environment is being created. The management and construction of many temples in the state have been done by non-Hindu brethren. By imposing such restrictions, what ideology is the BJP trying to lead towards? The government should keep culture open to all.” This controversy has given a new direction to religious and political discussions in Uttarakhand.