The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) announced on Tuesday it is formally considering a ban on the entry of non-Hindus into its 49 administered shrines, including the high-altitude Char Dham sites, the times of India reported.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi told TOI that the proposal aims to uphold “long-standing religious traditions” dating back to Adi Shankaracharya, asserting that these shrines are spiritual centres rather than tourist spots.
This move aligns with a broader push in Uttarakhand, including a similar proposal to restrict entry at 105 ghats in Haridwar. While the board is expected to vote on the matter soon, the state government is also weighing a declaration of Haridwar and Rishikesh as “Sanatan Pavitra Shehar”.
Non-Hindu Ban in Temples?
The proposal marks a significant escalation in the regional movement to redefine the religious landscape of Uttarakhand. BKTC, which manages the world-famous Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines along with 47 other affiliated temples, is following a precedent set by the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee and the Ganga Sabha in Haridwar.
Local religious bodies argue that the influx of non-believers has occasionally led to a dilution of temple decorum and sacred rituals.
This shift is deeply connected to the state’s broader ambition to safeguard “Devbhoomi” from secularisation, ensuring that the ancient customs of the Himalayan shrines remain untainted by modern tourism trends.
Constitutional Rights?
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi has defended the proposal by citing Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, which grants religious denominations the autonomy to manage their own internal affairs. Dwivedi clarified that the restriction is not rooted in animosity but in the preservation of faith.
“Those who respect our faith are welcome. The dhams are centres of faith not tourism,” TOI quoted him. Sources indicate that the proposal has garnered substantial support from local priests and stakeholders who believe that historical restrictions at these shrines were inadvertently eased over the decades.
The committee plans to formally table the resolution during its upcoming board meeting for final approval.
Haridwar & Rishikesh
Beyond the mountain shrines, the Uttarakhand government is evaluating a comprehensive ban on non-Hindu entry at 105 specific ghats across Haridwar. This initiative could potentially be implemented as early as the Haridwar Ardh Kumbh, scheduled to begin on 14 January.
Officials are reportedly drawing upon a 1916 agreement involving Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, which historically recognised certain areas as exclusive to the Hindu community.
The proposed declaration of Haridwar and Rishikesh as “Sanatan Pavitra Shehar” (Holy Sanatan Cities) would further cement this status, potentially leading to stricter regulations regarding residency and commercial activities within these designated zones.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that while the management of religious traditions is a fundamental right, the beauty of India’s spiritual identity has always been its inclusive and universal appeal.
Sacred spaces have historically served as beacons of peace that invite seekers from all backgrounds to witness the profound heritage of our land. Transitioning these symbols of communal unity into restricted zones risks fostering a culture of exclusion that may overshadow the core tenets of Sanatan Dharma, harmony and empathy.
We must ponder whether true sanctity is preserved through boundaries or through the openness that has defined our civilisational spirit for millennia.
News in Q&A
1. Why is the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee proposing an entry ban? The BKTC aims to preserve “Sanatan traditions” and the sanctity of shrines, arguing they are spiritual centres, not tourist spots. They cite Article 26 of the Constitution, which grants religious denominations the right to manage their affairs, to justify restoring long-standing practices established by Adi Shankaracharya.
2. Which specific locations will be affected by this new rule? The ban will apply to all 49 temples under BKTC jurisdiction, including the iconic Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines. Additionally, similar restrictions are proposed for 105 ghats in Haridwar and have already been unanimously approved by the Gangotri Temple Committee for the Gangotri Dham and its winter residence, Mukhba.
3. What is the stance of the Uttarakhand government on this proposal? Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed a “positive” and supportive outlook but maintains a measured approach. He stated the government will formally review existing laws and consider the views of all stakeholders, including priests, saints, and local organizations, before finalizing any legal changes.
4. How does the opposition view this move by the temple committee? Opposition leaders, notably former CM Harish Rawat, have condemned the proposal as “political hypocrisy” and a diversion from pressing state issues. They argue that non-Hindus have historically contributed to temple construction and management, suggesting that such exclusion contradicts the inclusive spirit of Indian spiritual traditions.
5. Will the ban apply to everyone who is not a practicing Hindu? Chairman Hemant Dwivedi clarified that the restriction is about “faith and religious discipline” rather than religious identity alone. He noted that there is no restriction for those who have faith in the Sanatan tradition, specifically mentioning that Jain and Sikh devotees have long visited these sacred sites.
