This can't happen: Shankaracharya condemns proposed Kedarnath temple in Delhi

The foundation laying ceremony for a new Kedarnath temple in New Delhi has sparked a controversy. Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, has strongly objected to the construction of another Kedarnath temple in the national capital. He argues that there cannot be a symbolic Kedarnath temple outside its original location in the Himalayas.

Shankaracharya's objections

Swami Avimukteshwaranand raised concerns about the authenticity and sanctity of the proposed temple in Delhi. "The 12 Jyotirlingas are mentioned in the Shiv Puran with their specific locations. Kedarnath’s address is in the Himalayas, so how can it be in Delhi?" he questioned. He also suggested that political motives might be behind this project, stating, "Political people are entering our religious places."

Allegations of scam

The Shankaracharya did not stop at questioning the new temple’s location. He also brought up allegations of a gold scam at the original Kedarnath temple. He claimed that there had been a scam involving the gold layering work inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Kedarnath temple, accusing those involved of laying brass instead of gold.

"A senior priest last year alleged that 228 kilograms of gold are missing from Kedarnath, but no inquiry has started. Now they want to build another Kedarnath in Delhi? This cannot happen," he said.

Foundation ceremony in Delhi

Despite the objections, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a consecration ceremony (bhoomi pujan) on Wednesday in the Hiranki near Burari in northwest Delhi and laid the foundation stone for the new Kedarnath temple.

Protests against Uttarakhand government

In response to the ceremony, priests from the original Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag district staged a protest. They gathered under the banner of Kedar Sabha, along with various other associations, and raised slogans against the Uttarakhand state government and the Chief Minister.

Pankaj Shukla, spokesperson of the Kedar Sabha, said, "We are not against a temple being constructed but oppose the construction of another Kedarnath temple in Delhi, which as claimed will have the same form. A stone from the Kedarnath shrine area will also be shifted, reducing the religious sanctity of the Kedarnath shrine in Rudraprayag district."

Defense of Delhi project

Surinder Rautela, president of the Kedarnath Dham Trust in Delhi, defended the project. "The temple to be built in Delhi is being constructed by the Shri Kedarnath Dham Trust, Delhi, and it has nothing to do with the Uttarakhand government. The temple is built with the support of trustees, many of whom belong to Uttarakhand," he said.