No entry for non-Hindus at 47 temples, including Badrinath and Kedarnath; Uttarakhand passes decision ahead of Char Dham Yatra

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Dehradun/Gairsain: A major religious decision has been taken in Uttarakhand ahead of the Char Dham Yatra 2026. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has passed a resolution prohibiting the entry of non-Hindus into 47 temples under its jurisdiction, including the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath.

The resolution was passed during the BKTC’s budget meeting held on March 10 at its camp office in Dehradun. Chaired by BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi, the meeting approved a budget of Rs 121.7 crore for the financial year 2026-27. The most closely watched proposal was the ban on non-Hindus, which was unanimously passed.

The Resolution

BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi explained that the demand had been raised for a long time. He stated that only those who follow Sanatan Dharma and have faith in Baba Kedarnath and Badri Vishal are welcome. Entry of non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum and temple premises of 47 temples has now been prohibited.

Political and Religious Reactions

The decision has sparked political and social debate. Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin criticized the move, calling it unconstitutional and divisive. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also condemned similar restrictions earlier at Har Ki Pauri, describing them as a violation of equality and a mockery of the Constitution.

On the other hand, Dr. Imam Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, supported the decision. He said that every religion has its own rules and sanctity, and outsiders should respect them. He compared the restriction to the rule in Mecca and Medina, where non-Muslims are not allowed entry.

CM Dhami’s Stand

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has left the decision to temple committees. He stated that religious sites are managed by organizations like the Tirtha Sabha, Ganga Sabha, Kedar Sabha, and BKTC, and decisions should be made in consultation with them. The government, he said, will respect the views of those who oversee these sacred places.

Impact and Scope of the Ban

The ban applies only to temple premises and sanctum areas. It will not affect employment of non-Hindus who operate palanquins, carts, or horses used to reach the temples. The BKTC clarified that Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, who are considered part of Sanatan Dharma traditions, will still be allowed entry.

Temples covered under the ban include Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham

The 47 temples covered under the ban include Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham, Triyuginarayan Temple, Narsingh Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Kalimath Temple, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, Kalpeshwar, Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, Vriddha Badri, Mata Murti Temple, and several sacred shilas and dharas.

Protecting Sanctity

Hemant Dwivedi emphasized that the decision was taken to protect the sanctity of pilgrimage sites. He alleged that illegal shrines and land encroachments had disturbed the atmosphere in Uttarakhand. With millions of devotees visiting annually, the committee wants to ensure that the temples remain places of faith and devotion.