Rudraprayag: Bhukunt Bhairav in Kedarnath shrine is a patron deity of the shrine who protects the shrine during winter season when Lord Kedarnath resides at his winter seat at Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath.
Currently, after Baba Kedar’s winter stay, there are very few people present in Kedarnath Dham. Meanwhile, a video of someone stealing from Bhukunt Bhairavnath temple is going viral on the Internet.
Kedarnath Dham के भैरवनाथ मंदिर में चोरी, CCTV में रिकॉर्ड हुई घटना pic.twitter.com/YOf7A4MKGQ
— Uttarakhand (@UttarakhandGo) December 18, 2024
Theft Caught in CCTV at Bhukunt Bhairavnath temple, Kedarnath shrine
In Rudraprayag, the video clearly shows a person entering the Bhukunt Bhairavnath temple located in Kedarnath Dham with shoes on. The individual touches the idols with their shoes and then begins groping around the idols. After staying there for a while, the person picks up something and leaves. Many questions are now being raised on social media regarding the incident. The individual is seen entering the Bhairavnath temple with shoes and tampering with the idols.
This incident hurts religious sentiments
This incident has hurt people’s religious sentiments, as a person entered the Bhukunt Bhairavnath temple in this manner. It reflects poorly on the security measures in place, as stated by the Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) and the government. The BKTC and the government need to address the security of Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva, a symbol of faith in Uttarakhand. Those who tamper with religious sentiments and steal from sacred places must be held accountable.
Bhukunt Bhairav: The first Rawal of Kedarnath
Bhukunt Bhairav is the first Rawal of Kedarnath and continues to protect Kedarpuri today. Before Kedarnath, Rawal Bhukunt Bhairav (Bhukunt Bhairav Kedarnath) guards the Kedarnath temple, making the Kedarnath Yatra incomplete without visiting him and worship is conducted every year before the doors of Kedarnath are opened. Bhukunt Bhairav is associated with Mahadev and is known by many names such as Bhishan Bhairav, Sanhaar Bhairav, and Batuk Bhairav.
