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.