Gangotri Dham to Open on Akshaya Tritiya with Entry Restrictions
The sacred gates of Gangotri Dham in Uttarkashi are set to open on April 19 at 12:15 PM, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. This announcement was made by officials of the Shri Panch Gangotri Temple Committee during a press conference held on Thursday, the first day of Chaitra Navratri, at the committee's dharamshala.
Entry Restricted to Sanatan Dharma Followers
In a significant move, the temple committee has declared that entry to Gangotri Dham will be restricted to "only those who follow Sanatan Dharma." This decision mirrors a similar proposal recently approved by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). Gangotri temple committee president Dharmamand Bijalwan emphasized, "Non-Sanatani individuals will not be allowed entry into the temple." The committee has sought support from district and police administration to enforce this policy effectively.
Last week, the BKTC approved restrictions barring "non-Sanatanis"—people who do not follow Sanatan Dharma—from entering temples under its jurisdiction in Uttarakhand, including Badrinath and Kedarnath. This decision was taken during the temple committee's budget meeting in Dehradun, chaired by BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi. Dwivedi had previously indicated in January that the committee was considering such restrictions for the Char Dham shrines. Following this, the temple committees of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham announced they would implement similar measures.
Rituals and Ceremonies Preceding the Opening
Arun Semwal, vice-president of the temple management committee, detailed the rituals leading up to the opening. "The ceremonial palanquin (doli) of goddess Ganga will begin its journey on April 18 from Mukhba, the winter abode of the deity, towards Gangotri Dham," he stated. The procession will halt overnight at Bhaironghati, where a night vigil will be observed at the Bhairav Temple. The following morning, the doli will proceed to the temple.
Before the doors open, several rituals will be performed, including Ganesh puja and Panchang pujan. At 10:15 AM, the recitation of Ganga Sahasranama will take place. The temple gates will officially open at 12:15 PM during the auspicious Kark Lagna time.
Additional Restrictions and Guidelines
The committee has also imposed restrictions on the use of mobile phones and the creation of reels inside the temple or within a designated boundary. This measure aims to maintain the sanctity and decorum of the religious site during the opening ceremonies and throughout the pilgrimage season.
The implementation of entry restrictions at Gangotri Dham reflects a broader trend among Uttarakhand's Char Dham temples to regulate access based on religious adherence, sparking discussions on inclusivity and tradition in India's spiritual landscape.
