Non-Hindus Must Submit Sanatan Dharma Affidavit for Darshan at Badrinath and Kedarnath
In a significant development, the Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) has announced that non-Hindus will be permitted darshan at the revered shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath only if they submit an affidavit affirming their faith in Sanatan Dharma. This decision was disclosed by BKTC chief Hemant Dwivedi on Tuesday, alongside a broader ban on entry for non-Hindus at these two temples and 45 others under the committee's jurisdiction in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
Affidavit Requirement and Broader Entry Ban
Dwivedi emphasized that the requirement applies to all individuals, regardless of their background, who wish to visit Badrinath and Kedarnath. He stated, "Sanatan Dharma is vast, and its followers are present across the world. If any person, irrespective of background, expresses faith in Sanatan Dharma and submits an affidavit to that effect, darshan can be allowed at Badrinath and Kedarnath. All those who have faith in Sanatan Dharma are Sanatanis." The affidavits will be made available at the temples themselves to facilitate this process.
However, this provision does not extend to the other 45 temples managed by BKTC, where a complete ban on entry for non-Hindus has been enforced. This move aims to uphold the traditional norms and guidelines that have been followed since the time of Adi Shankaracharya, as highlighted by Dwivedi.
Impact on Celebrities and Tourism
When questioned about Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan, a frequent visitor to Kedarnath, Dwivedi clarified, "If she says that she has belief in Sanatan and submits an affidavit, we will allow her for darshan." This underscores the committee's stance that the affidavit requirement is universal and applies to all non-Hindu visitors, including high-profile individuals.
Dwivedi also addressed the economic implications, noting that tourism and religious tourism are crucial to Uttarakhand's economy. He expressed concern over the conflation of religious tourism with general tourism, stating, "Unfortunately, some people are unable to distinguish between the two and are considering religious tourism the same as tourism. We need to take steps to ensure that norms and traditions are followed during pilgrimage, and this initiative is a small step in this regard."
Additional Restrictions on Mobile Phones and Media
In a related move, BKTC has imposed a ban on photos and videos inside the temple premises. Dwivedi announced, "Mobile phones will not be allowed inside the temple premises. Arrangements are being made to keep the mobile phones outside the temple. Photos and videos are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum and within the temple premises." This measure is intended to preserve the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage sites.
Char Dham Yatra Registrations and Context
The announcement comes as the Char Dham yatra is set to commence on April 19, with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham. Online registration began on March 6, and as of Tuesday, over 6 lakh pilgrims had registered. The highest registration numbers were recorded for Kedarnath at 2 lakh, followed by Badrinath at 1.8 lakh, Gangotri at 1.6 lakh, and Yamunotri at 1.1 lakh.
BKTC serves as the administrative body for Badrinath, Kedarnath, and 45 other significant temples in Uttarakhand, overseeing their management and governance. The committee's decisions are rooted in long-standing traditions aimed at maintaining the religious integrity of these sacred sites.
