Dehradun's Bhadraj Temple goes viral: Video shows staff throwing footwear off hillside. Watch

In a striking move to enforce temple customs, the Bhadraj Temple in Dehradun has taken a bold stand against visitors who leave their footwear inside its premises. A viral video circulating on social media shows temple staff tossing shoes and slippers off a hillside to drive home the importance of respecting temple rules.

Nestled atop a hill, the Bhadraj Temple is a picturesque marble shrine dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, also known as Balram. Located approximately 12 km from Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, the temple is accessible via a short trek. While it attracts devotees for prayer, the temple is also a popular spot for tourists seeking stunning views of the Doon Valley.

The viral video, shared by Instagram user Sooraj Dogra, depicts a temple worker methodically picking up footwear and throwing it over a guardrail into the valley below. This dramatic action aims to enforce the temple's strict no-footwear policy.


Dogra captioned the video with a strong message: "This is what happens when outsiders visit our sacred place and, despite clear instructions, still bring their shoes and slippers inside the temple." He further appealed to visitors, urging them to respect local customs and the sanctity of nature.

Mixed Social Media Reactions

The video has garnered significant attention and a variety of responses. Many viewers supported the temple's actions, praising the effort to distinguish between a place of pilgrimage and a tourist spot.

"Very Good... Appreciate the efforts. Let's teach them the difference between a pilgrimage site and a holiday place," commented one user. Another called it the "most satisfying video on Instagram."

However, not all reactions were positive. Some critics voiced concerns about the environmental impact of discarding shoes into nature.

"You throw those plastic-infused shoes on the hills and expect an unpolluted environment. This is the same as puncturing tyres of vehicles standing in front of your house. Can there be a better way of dealing with this nuisance?" asked one user.

Others pointed out the practical issues for visitors left without footwear in a remote location, questioning what they would do without their shoes and the difficulty of finding replacements atop a hill.

While the method of enforcement has sparked debate, the core message remains clear.