UP: Unrest In Etawah Over Construction Of Kedarnath Temple Replica, Priests Demand Halt On Work

The construction of a replica of the revered Kedarnath temple in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked outrage among Uttarakhand's pilgrim priests. The priests, associated with Badri-Kedar Dham, have vehemently expressed their discontent, deeming the replica a blatant disregard for religious sentiments and an assault on the temples' identity and tradition. They are demanding an immediate ban on the construction and strict action against those responsible.

The controversy gained momentum after Samajwadi Party national president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav shared a video of the 'Kedareshwar' temple on social media on the first Monday of Shravan. The video showcased the near-complete temple, with devotees offering prayers.

Following Yadav's post, widespread criticism has ensued from various religious organisations and local residents of Uttarakhand, including pilgrim priests. They are questioning the legitimacy and sanctity of replicating such an iconic temple.

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Hemant Dwivedi, President of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, has strongly opposed the construction of the Kedarnath Dham replica in Etawah, stating that the committee is seeking legal opinion and will take appropriate legal action. Kedar Sabha President Rajkumar Tiwari condemned the replica, calling it a blatant disregard for religious sentiments and an assault on the temples' identity and tradition.

Santosh Trivedi, Vice President of Chardham Tirtha Purohit Mahapanchayat, echoed similar sentiments, labelling the replica an insult and imitation of faith. He warned that if construction isn't halted, Tirtha Purohits would stage a protest outside Akhilesh Yadav's residence in Uttar Pradesh.

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Mahant Shivanand Giri Maharaj of Koteshwar Dham denounced the replica as an attempt to weaken Hinduism. The Tirtha Purohits are pinning their hopes on Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, recalling his firm stance against a similar proposal in Delhi, and expect him to take concrete steps in this matter as well.