Kedarnath, Badrinath and 47 Temples Consider Ban on Entry of Non-Hindus

New Delhi: The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) of Uttarakhand has now considered banning the entry of non-Hindus in more than 47 temples apart from the main Chardhams. This proposal will be placed in the next meeting of the board of the temple committee.

Why has this proposal come forward?

Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that this step is being taken to preserve religious traditions and customs. He says that there are already rules regarding entry into these Dhams and the tradition has to be implemented further to save them.

Is it based on religious tradition?

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee says that historically there have been many places where there were rules related to worship and prayers. The committee argues that these temples are only centers of religious belief and reverence and not tourist destinations.

Will this decision also affect the Chardham Yatra?

Currently the most popular Chardhams include Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Yamunotri. Gangotri Dham has already banned the entry of non-Hindus, and now similar restrictions remain under debate as to whether this rule will extend to other Chardhams and associated temples.

Has the political and social debate started?

After this proposal, political and social debate has intensified in Uttarakhand. Some people consider it a religious fundamental right, while on the other hand critics are calling it a step to isolate people from religious places. Further discussion is expected on this decision as the possibility of such restrictions being implemented will increase if it is approved in the board meeting.

What further procedure will be followed?

Temple committee officials say that the final decision on this proposal will be taken only after the board meeting. If it is approved, a written draft of the rules will be prepared and the state government will also be informed about it. Only after this will it be decided when and how the ban should be implemented, so that there is no confusion for both the devotees and the administration.

The committee says that before the decision is implemented, the opinions of all parties will be heard so that no one's religious sentiments are hurt. Along with this, instructions will also be given to the administration that the information about the rules should be clearly conveyed to the devotees through boards and notices.