Dehradun: The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) in Uttarakhand has taken decisive action against the construction of replica temples of Badrinath shrine and Panch Kedar Temples by some trusts in Telangana.
BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal issued legal notices to the concerned committees and trusts, and the Secretary of Religious Affairs and Culture has also been informed. The notices were directed to the presidents of Shri Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand Kalyankari Sanstha Banda, Mailaram, Telangana, and Dakshineshwar, Kedarnath Temple Trust Jeedimetla, Hyderabad, Telangana.
BKTC operates under the control of the state government
According to the legal notice, the Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Temple Committee operates under the control of the state government, as per the undivided Uttar Pradesh Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Temple Act of 1939 (as amended). Currently, it is under the Uttarakhand government’s jurisdiction. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for implementing the policies related to the committee’s duties and rights.
Badrinath & Kedarnath shrines have been the center of religious beliefs
As per the press note released by BKTC, the holy land of Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines in Uttarakhand has been the center of religious beliefs, faith, and devotion for centuries. The religious significance of these sites is well-documented in the Sanatan scriptures, attracting followers of Sanatan Dharma from all over the world seeking spiritual virtue.
Replica temples are being promoted as originals
Information from various sources, including social media and followers of Sanatan Dharma, revealed that the proposed temples are replicas of the holy Badrinath shrine and other temples of Panch Kedar. These temples are being promoted as Badrinath Dham/Kedarnath Dham/Panch-kedar temples, distorting religious beliefs and sentiments. The activities and programs at these temples are being presented as the real Shri Badrinath Dham and Kedarnath Dham, which violates religious laws and beliefs, press note reads.
These replicas have been created for personal gain
The legal notice sent by BKTC emphasizes that the proposed Shri Badrinath Temple/Panchkedar Temples have no religious or mythological significance and appear to have been created for personal gain. The construction and promotion of these replica temples as genuine Dham sites are not only an affront to the faith of Sanatan Dharma followers but also a punishable offense under the Indian Penal Code 2023. The BKTC expects both civil and criminal judicial action against the responsible trusts.
Trustees have been given two weeks to present their case
The trustees have been given two weeks to present their case by providing relevant documents and information regarding the purpose, activities, and legality of the replica temples. Failure to do so will result in legal action. This directive was detailed in a press release issued by BKTC media in-charge Dr. Harish Gaur, confirming that legal notices have been sent to the addresses of the concerned trusts.
