Kedarnath Temple: A place of divine presence and spiritual enlightenment. Leave your cameras at home and let your soul capture the beauty of this holy site
The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has taken a significant step to maintain the sacredness and religious importance of the Kedarnath Temple. They have officially prohibited photography and videography within the temple premises, citing previous incidents of inappropriate conduct by visitors. Those who defy the ban will be subject to legal repercussions.
To emphasize the rule, warning boards have been prominently displayed throughout the temple grounds, cautioning against bringing mobile phones and engaging in any form of photography or videography. These boards, written in both Hindi and English, also serve as a reminder that the temple is under constant surveillance through CCTV cameras, further deterring any potential violations.
In addition to the photography ban, the committee has urged pilgrims to dress modestly and refrain from setting up tents or camps within the temple precincts. The President of the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, Ajay Ajendra, expressed concern that certain pilgrims have been involved in indecent filming and photography within the temple, which has had a negative impact on the temple’s spiritual atmosphere.
The decision to impose this ban was prompted by a regrettable incident that led to misconceptions about the temple’s integrity due to the perceived indecent behavior of some visitors. As one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and situated at an elevation of 3,584 meters in the Rudraprayag District mountains of Uttarakhand, the ancient Kedarnath temple draws millions of devotees each year.
Supporters of the ban highlight several key reasons for its implementation, including the preservation of the temple’s sanctity and religious significance. It also serves to discourage indecent behavior by pilgrims within the sacred premises and encourages a more focused and reverent atmosphere for worship.
However, there are opposing arguments against the ban, asserting that it may be viewed as an encroachment on personal freedom. Some pilgrims might be disappointed as they will be unable to capture memories of their pilgrimage through photographs or videos. Moreover, there could be concerns about its potential impact on tourism, as visitors may be less inclined to visit if photography and videography are restricted.
While there are valid arguments both in favor of and against the ban on photography and videography inside the Kedarnath Temple, the ultimate decision lies with the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. Their objective is to safeguard the sanctity and religious significance of this holy site, and they must carefully weigh the concerns and benefits to make an informed choice.
Subscribe Us
We strive to make a lasting impact on India’s policy and planning landscape through fair, unbiased, and incisive research based journalism.
But we can’t do it alone.
Together, we can create a better India, where policies are fair, planning is unbiased, and the truth prevails. Your contribution matters, and we shall be immensely grateful for your support.