Uttarakhand Temple Committee Approves Entry Restrictions for Non-Sanatanis at 47 Shrines
The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has made a significant decision to restrict entry for individuals who do not follow Sanatan Dharma at 47 temples under its jurisdiction in Uttarakhand. This includes the prominent Char Dham shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath, marking a move aimed at preserving religious sanctity.
Decision Taken at Budget Meeting in Dehradun
The resolution was passed during the temple committee's budget meeting held at its Dehradun office, with BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi presiding. Dwivedi had previously hinted in January that such restrictions were under consideration for the Char Dham sites. He emphasized that the measure is intended to ensure that only those with faith in Sanatan Dharma visit these sacred spaces.
"The decision was taken to ensure that only those who believe and have faith in Sanatan Dharma visit the Char Dham shrines and other temples," Dwivedi stated. He clarified that the restriction will apply specifically to the innermost sanctum and the immediate temple premises, not the broader surrounding areas.
Defending the Move for Temple Sanctity
Chairman Dwivedi defended the decision, asserting that it is crucial for maintaining the sanctity of temples across Uttarakhand. He explained that the committee's goal is to protect the religious atmosphere and traditions associated with these historic pilgrimage sites, which hold deep spiritual significance for followers of Sanatan Dharma.
Rs 121 Crore Budget Approved for Char Dham Yatra
In the same meeting, the committee approved a substantial budget of Rs 121 crore for the upcoming financial year 2026-27, focusing on preparations for the Char Dham yatra. The allocation includes Rs 57.5 crore designated for Badrinath Dham and Rs 63.6 crore for Kedarnath Dham, highlighting the committee's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and facilities for devotees.
Welfare Fund for Temple Priests Established
Another key decision involved the creation of a Teerth Purohit Welfare Fund, aimed at improving the social and economic security of temple priests associated with the pilgrimage. Dwivedi noted that this fund will support various welfare measures for teerth purohits, including financial assistance and other benefits, ensuring their well-being as they serve the devotees.
Pilgrimage Season Opening Dates Announced
The portals of Kedarnath temple are scheduled to open on April 22, while Badrinath temple will open on April 23 for the 2026 pilgrimage season. Additionally, the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines are set to open on April 19, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Committee officials have indicated that preparations are being intensified in anticipation of the growing number of devotees visiting these Himalayan shrines annually.
This series of decisions reflects the BKTC's efforts to balance religious preservation with logistical support for one of India's most revered pilgrimage circuits, as Uttarakhand continues to attract millions of spiritual seekers each year.
