Strict Laws Against Using Char Dham Names

• 20 Jul 2024

Why in News?

Recently, The Uttarakhand Cabinet decided to implement strict laws against organisations or trusts using names of Char Dham temples of the State.

Key Points

• According to the officials, such trusts and organisations create confusion among the general public, and also hurt local traditions and religious beliefs.
• The Char Dham temples’ priest association also launched a protest against laying the foundation stone for the replica of Kedarnath temple in Delhi.

Char Dham

• Yamunotri Dham:
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.
  • River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga.
• Gangotri Dham:
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.
• Kedarnath Dham:
  • Location: Rudraprayag district.
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.
• Badrinath Dham:
  • Location: Chamoli district.
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple.
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu.
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites.