Non-Sanatanis May Not Enter Badrinath, Kedarnath Temples: Badri-Kedar Temple Committee

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has stated that individuals who do not follow or believe in Sanatan Dharma should not enter the sacred temples of Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple.

BKTC chairman Ajendra Ajay said the temples are among the most important pilgrimage sites of Hinduism and are meant primarily for devotees who follow Sanatan traditions. He said that the committee believes people visiting the shrines should have faith in Sanatan Dharma and respect its religious practices and customs.

Explaining his remarks, the chairman said that anyone who believes in Sanatan Dharma can be considered a “Sanatani.” He added that devotees who apply vermilion (tilak) on the forehead and are familiar with Hindu devotional practices, including reciting religious hymns such as the Chalisa, demonstrate their faith in the tradition.

The comments have sparked discussions and debate in religious and public circles about temple entry rules and the definition of a devotee. Some religious leaders supported the view, arguing that temples dedicated to Hindu deities are meant primarily for followers of the faith. Others have called for a more inclusive approach, saying pilgrimage sites often attract visitors from diverse backgrounds who come with respect and devotion.

The Badrinath and Kedarnath temples are two of the most prominent Hindu shrines in India and are part of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Every year, thousands of devotees travel to these temples during the pilgrimage season to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu at Badrinath and Lord Shiva at Kedarnath.

BKTC officials clarified that the committee’s primary focus is to ensure that religious traditions and sanctity of the temples are maintained. They also said that guidelines regarding temple conduct and entry are periodically reviewed in consultation with religious scholars and temple authorities.

The remarks by the temple committee chairman have now triggered wider public conversation about faith, tradition and the management of religious institutions at major pilgrimage sites in India.