The work of plating gold in the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath temple is being done according to mythological beliefs, traditions: Ajendra Ajay
Badrinath – Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) President Ajendra Ajay termed the news about the tampering in the sanctum sanctorum of the Kedarnath temple as part of the opposition’s propaganda campaign. He said that religious beliefs, traditions and advice of archeological experts are being fully followed in the matter of offering gold in the sanctum sanctorum. Ajendra said that on the proposal of a Shiva devotee from Maharashtra, BKTC has obtained permission from the state government to install gold plates in the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath temple. He said that at present the sanctum sanctorum had silver plates on all four walls. After getting permission from the government, the silver plates in the sanctum were removed. After taking necessary measurements of the sanctum etc., gold plates will be prepared and installed accordingly. He told that since there were silver plates in the sanctum sanctorum in the past. Therefore, only a nominal additional work will be required in the sanctum sanctorum to install the gold plates.
He justified the protest of some people in the matter of offering gold plates in the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath temple and said that by doing so, any kind of traditions or religious beliefs are not being tampered with. He said that history bears witness that Hindu temples have been symbols of splendor since ancient times. The deities were adorned with gold and gem-studded ornaments. The sanctum sanctorum and pillars of the temples were decorated with precious metals and gems. The first of the twelfth Jyotirlingas, the Somnath temple is described in the history of looting by the Mughal rulers several times.
He said that even at present, the sanctum sanctorum to the outer cover of many big pagodas including Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath has been decorated with gold. He said that those who are opposing the offering of gold in the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath temple are spreading many misleading facts on social media by citing scriptures. He said that with the passage of time the necessary changes in religious places are natural. Referring to history, Ajendra said that till decades ago the roof of Shri Kedarnath temple was made of grass-thatch (Khadu in local language). Some fields were destined for growing Khadu grass for the roof of Shri Kedarnath temple. In the local language, those sloping fields are called “Khadwan”. After that, when the time changed, stone plates were planted in place of grass. Then there is the tin roof and presently the copper sheet roof.
He said that even at present, the sanctum sanctorum to the outer cover of many big pagodas including Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath has been decorated with gold. He said that those who are opposing the offering of gold in the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath temple are spreading many misleading facts on social media by citing scriptures. He said that with the passage of time the necessary changes in religious places are natural. Referring to history, Ajendra said that till decades ago the roof of Shri Kedarnath temple was made of grass-thatch (Khadu in local language). Some fields were destined for growing Khadu grass for the roof of Shri Kedarnath temple. In the local language, those sloping fields are called “Khadwan”. After that, when the time changed, stone plates were planted in place of grass. Then there is the tin roof and presently the copper sheet roof.
