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Rudraprayag: While many viewers admired the recent breathtaking visuals of the snow-covered temple, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and local priests strongly objected, claiming that such posts hurt religious sentiments and violate the sanctity of the shrine.
According to BKTC officials, the temple remains closed during the winter months as part of long-standing traditions. The deity is ceremonially shifted to Ukhimath, where worship continues until the temple reopens in summer. Sharing visuals of Kedarnath during this period, they argue, misrepresents the religious customs and undermines the spiritual significance of the seasonal closure.
Priests at Kedarnath expressed anger
BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi stated that the committee has asked the district administration to investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible for circulating the videos. Priests at Kedarnath also expressed anger, saying that the viral clips disregard the sanctity of the shrine. They emphasized that the winter closure is not just a ritual but a deeply rooted tradition, symbolizing the deity’s migration and rest. By posting videos of snowfall at the closed temple, they believe outsiders are trivializing sacred practices.
PWD to investigate the matter
The controversy has prompted administrative action. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ukhimath, Anil Kumar Shukla, directed the Public Works Department to investigate how the videos were recorded and circulated. Reports suggest that construction workers currently engaged in development projects at Kedarnath may have filmed the snowfall and shared it online.
Contractor/worker may have made the video
Officials noted that more than 50 workers are still present at the site as part of ongoing reconstruction projects under the Prime Minister’s Kedarnath redevelopment plan. The administration is now examining whether contractors or workers violated guidelines by recording and posting visuals from the shrine during its winter closure.
Faith and tradition must take precedence over viral content.
The incident has sparked wider debate among devotees and locals. While many social media users enjoyed the rare glimpse of Kedarnath in heavy snow, religious leaders insist that faith and tradition must take precedence over viral content. They argue that the sanctity of Kedarnath cannot be compromised for online popularity.
As the investigation continues, the controversy highlights the tension between modern digital culture and age-old religious traditions. For the BKTC and priests, protecting the sanctity of Kedarnath remains paramount, even in the age of social media.
