Faith affidavit must for darshan: Badrinath–Kedarnath body tightens entry norms

The Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) has announced stricter entry rules for devotees at the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple, Times of India reported, saying non-Hindus will be allowed darshan only if they submit an affidavit affirming their faith in Sanatan Dharma. The committee has also barred entry of non-Hindus at the two shrines and 45 other temples under its jurisdiction in the Garhwal region.

BKTC chief Hemant Dwivedi said the move was aimed at preserving religious traditions. “Sanatan Dharma is vast, and its followers are present across the world. If any person, irrespective of background, expresses faith in Sanatan Dharma and submits an affidavit to that effect, darshan can be allowed at Badrinath and Kedarnath. All those who have faith in Sanatan Dharma are Sanatanis,” he said.Also Read: Non Sanatanis not allowed: Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee to restrict entry of non Hindus at 47 temples

Responding to a question on visits by actor Sara Ali Khan, Dwivedi added, “If she says that she has belief in Sanatan and submits an affidavit, we will allow her for darshan.” He said affidavits would be made available at the temples.


The committee maintained that the guidelines draw from traditions attributed to Adi Shankaracharya and have long been followed. It also underscored the need to differentiate between tourism and pilgrimage. “Tourism and religious tourism are the backbone of the state's economy. Unfortunately, some people are unable to distinguish between the two and are considering religious tourism the same as tourism. We need to take steps to ensure that norms and traditions are followed during pilgrimage, and this initiative is a small step in this regard,” Dwivedi said.

Alongside the entry rules, BKTC has imposed a ban on mobile phones, photography and videography within temple premises. “Mobile phones will not be allowed inside the temple premises. Arrangements are being made to keep the mobile phones outside the temple. Photos and videos are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum and within the temple premises,” he said.Also Read: Kedarnath: After ropeway, now govt planning a tunnel to make travel easier, shorter and safer

The announcements come ahead of the annual Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, which is set to begin on April 19 with the opening of the portals of Yamunotri Temple and Gangotri Temple. Online registrations, which opened on March 6, have already crossed six lakh, with Kedarnath Temple drawing the highest number of applicants, followed by Badrinath Temple, Gangotri and Yamunotri.