Uttarakhand: Kedarnath-Badrinath shrines to bar non-Hindus from entering
What's the story
The Shri Gangotri Temple Committee in Uttarakhand has decided to bar non-Hindus from entering the Gangotri Dham. The decision, announced on Sunday, applies to the Gangotri Dham, and a proposal to extend the ban to the historic Badrinath and Kedarnath temples will be discussed at an upcoming board meeting. The ban will be strictly enforced at Mukhba, the winter residence of Maa Ganga. "The entry of non-Hindu into the dham and mukhba will be strictly prohibited," confirmed Chairman Suresh Semwal.
Extended ban
Proposal to extend ban on non-Hindus in more temples
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) Chairman Hemant Dwivedi has proposed a similar ban for Badrinath, Kedarnath, and other temples under BKTC's jurisdiction. The proposal will be discussed at an upcoming board meeting of the committee. "Preserving the religious and cultural traditions of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand was of paramount importance," Dwivedi said while announcing the proposal.
Historical context
Dwivedi emphasizes historical restrictions for Hindus
Dwivedi stressed that historically, temples in the Kedarnath and Mana regions have been accessible only to Hindus. He alleged that these traditions were ignored during the non-BJP rule. "Steps will now be taken to ensure full compliance," he said, adding that measures would be taken to protect Uttarakhand's temple sanctity and traditions.
Criticism
Opposition criticizes decision, calls it diversionary tactic
The opposition has slammed the decision, calling it a "diversionary tactic" by the BJP government. Congress state vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana said there was no need for such a prohibition, as non-Hindus don't usually enter these temples. He accused the BJP of trying to distract from more pressing issues in Uttarakhand. "They (BJP) just want to divert the public attention from pressing issues of the state," he said.