Kedarnath Temple Caught in Gold Dispute: Badrinath-Kedarnath Committee Responds to Shankaracharya’s Allegations

Dehradun: The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged disappearance of gold from the Kedarnath Temple has taken a new turn, with the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman, Ajendra Ajay, responding to the claims made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Allegations

In a recent statement, Swami Avimukteshwaranand claimed that 228 kilograms of gold were missing from the Kedarnath Temple. He further alleged that there had been a “gold scam” at the temple and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Shankaracharya stated that the issue had been raised with the Commissioner, but the investigation was not conducted properly. He also claimed that the amount of missing gold had been fluctuating, with figures ranging from 320 kg to 27 kg being reported.

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee’s Response

Responding to the Shankaracharya’s allegations, Ajendra Ajay, the Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, described Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s statements as “very unfortunate.”

Ajay urged the Shankaracharya to present the facts and evidence supporting his claims. He suggested that instead of making public statements, Swami Avimukteshwaranand should approach the competent authority or the courts to demand an inquiry.

“The statement made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand regarding the disappearance of gold in Kedarnath Dham is very unfortunate, and I would like to request him, and also challenge him, to bring out the facts,” Ajay said.

Questioning the Shankaracharya’s Motives

Ajendra Ajay went on to suggest that Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s actions might be driven by a political agenda, which he described as “very unfortunate.”

“He doesn’t have the right to hurt the dignity of Kedarnath Dham or create controversy over it. If he is doing this just to protest, create controversies, and further the agenda of Congress, it is very unfortunate,” Mr Ajay added.

The temple committee chairman emphasized that the Shankaracharya does not have the authority to make statements that could harm the reputation of the Kedarnath Dham.

Demand for Proper Investigation

While Ajendra Ajay acknowledged the Shankaracharya’s concerns, he urged Swami Avimukteshwaranand to pursue the matter through the appropriate channels.

“He should go before the competent authority and demand an inquiry, and if he doesn’t trust them, he should go to the Supreme Court or High Court, file a petition, and ask for an inquiry if he has evidence,” Mr Ajay stated.

The temple committee chairman’s response suggests that the authorities are open to a thorough investigation, provided that the Shankaracharya presents concrete evidence to support his claims.

Ongoing Controversy and Implications

The allegations made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand have sparked a heated debate, with the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee defending the integrity of the temple administration.

The fluctuating figures reported for the missing gold have added to the confusion, and the public is eager to see a transparent and impartial investigation into the matter.

The outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for the management and reputation of the Kedarnath Temple, as well as the overall trust in the temple’s administration.

Conclusion

The Kedarnath Temple gold controversy has brought to the forefront the need for transparent and accountable management of religious institutions. While the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has refuted the Shankaracharya’s allegations, the public demands a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and restore the trust in the temple’s administration.