Uttarakhand Implements Strict Laws to Protect Authenticity of Char Dham Temples

The Uttarakhand Cabinet has announced new laws to prevent unauthorized formation of trusts and committees in the names of Char Dham and major temples. Saints from Haridwar praised the move as essential for preserving the sanctity and authenticity of these sacred sites.

In a significant move, the Uttarakhand Cabinet on Thursday declared the introduction of stringent laws aimed at preventing the formation of unauthorized trusts, committees, and temples under the names of Char Dham and other prominent temples in the state. This announcement was met with approval from saints in Haridwar.

One saint, while speaking to ANI, emphasized the importance of this legislation: 'Various trusts have been forming duplicate Char Dham temples, Jyotirlingas, and peeths. We welcome this government decision to implement strict laws against such practices and conveyed to CM Dhami the necessity of this law. These duplicitous saints often misguide devotees, and a ban is needed.'

Another saint echoed these sentiments, praising the law's intent to protect devotees from misleading practices. 'The authenticity of India's Char Dham temples should remain undiluted. The Uttarakhand government's decision is commendable. Maintaining the sanctity of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri is a shared responsibility. These sites hold immense cultural and spiritual significance, being places of penance for our guru Shankaracharya.'

The announcement follows a recent controversy involving a proposal by the Shri Kedarnath Dham Delhi Trust to construct a duplicate Kedarnath temple in the Burari region of Delhi. According to CM Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, 'The cabinet, chaired by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, decided to enact laws to prevent any unauthorized use of the Char Dham and major temple names in Uttarakhand.'

(With inputs from agencies.)