PRADEEP BHANDARI/ Jyotirmath
The Teerth Purohots of Badrinath shrine have expressed happiness at the decision of Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) to impose a ban on the entry of non Hindus in Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines.
Following the footsteps of the Gangotri shrine, the BKTC on Tuesday had announced a ban on entry of non-Hindus in these two shrines and other temples under it. The senior functionaries of the organisation said that they would soon hold a board meeting and approve this proposal. Apart from Badrinath and Kedarnath, BKTC also announced a ban on the entry of non-Hindus at 48 other shrines.
Speaking of the move, the chairman, BKTC, Hemmat Dwivedi said that a board meeting would soon pass this proposal. “The ban on entry for non-Hindus at the entrances of these shrines is a step in keeping with ancient traditions. All pilgrims visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath are registered and it prohibits entry for non-Hindus,” he explained.
The general secretary of the Char Dham Tirtha Purohit and Teertha Purohit of Brahmakapal, Brijesh Sati also welcomed the decision. “This step is in tune with the Sanaman traditions. Soon Char Dham Mahapanchayat will meet on this and draw up the future plan,” he added.
The president of Badrish Panda Panchayat of Badrinath Dham, Praveen Dhyani has also lent his support to the move. “I will soon sit with others and put forward my views on how we should implement this decision,” he said.
