Controversy Erupts Over Kedar Nath and Badrinath Temple Replica Construction in Medchal-Malkajgiri District

NEWS CHARIOT : A controversy has emerged in Yellampet village, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, over the construction of replicas of the Kedar Nath and Badrinath temples. Concerns have been raised that these constructions could harm the sanctity of the Char Dham pilgrimage, potentially diminishing the reverence associated with the original temples. As a result, the Kedar Nath and Badrinath temple committees have issued notices to the organizers, warning them that their actions could damage the reputation of these sacred sites.

The temple committees have demanded that the construction be halted immediately. They have given a 15-day deadline for an explanation, warning of legal actions if the concerns are not addressed within the stipulated time.

In a related development, the Telangana Governor, Tamilisai Soundararajan, is set to inaugurate the Southwester Kedar Nath temple. Regarding the controversy surrounding this construction, Jai Pal Singh Nayal, Chairman of the Southwester Kedar Nath Mandir Trust, criticized the Kedar Nath temple committee, stating that they were unnecessarily creating an issue. He clarified that the Southwester Kedar Nath temple has no resemblance to the original Kedar Nath temple and that such objections were uncalled for.

Responding to the notices from the Kedar Nath temple committee, the Southwester Kedar Nath Mandir Trust issued a statement defending their position. They asserted that their construction would not undermine the respect owed to the Kedar Nath and Badrinath temples. The Trust further compared their temple construction to the numerous temples dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara across India, highlighting that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had never raised objections to such initiatives.

The media officer of the Kedar Nath temple committee, Harish Gaur, released a press note signed by Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Tapliyal, emphasizing that the committee is opposed to any attempt to recreate replicas of these sacred temples. The committee has urged the organizers to respond within two weeks to avoid potential civil and criminal action.

This ongoing dispute between the two temple groups has drawn attention to the delicate balance between religious reverence and the creation of replicas for public purposes. The outcome of this issue remains to be seen in the coming weeks.