The Kedarnath mandir is one of Sanatana Dharma’s most revered sites. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where people across the globe travel to seek blessings from Bhagwan Bholenath. However, the mandir has recently come under public scrutiny due to allegations of a ₹1.25 billion Gold Scam.
The year-old scam has been pushed into conversation once more by Dharma Guru Swami Avimukteshwaranand. His accusations have sparked a widespread controversy among the Sanatana community! However, a detailed examination reveals the truth behind these sensational claims. Let’s counter Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s accusations with hard facts.
Kedarnath Gold Scam: The Allegations
The source of accusations can be traced back to Santosh Trivedi, VP of the Chardham Mahapanchayat. He publicly claimed in a social media video that brass was used instead of gold for the wall plating at the mandir. Thereby, leading to the accusation of a gold scam worth ₹1.25 billion at Kedarnath. Consequently, this video and the allegation caused a huge uproar in the Hindu community.
The opposition parties used this byte to bite the Sanatana Traditions, attempting to disrupt the Chardham Yatra by amplifying these unproven claims.
However, these allegations are baseless. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee disclosed that only 23.7778 Kg of gold was used in the garbhagriha of the mandir. This gold can be approximately valued at ₹14.38 crore. Additionally, 1001.300 kg of copper plates worth ₹29 lakh were utilized for the gilded work at the four pillars, Jalhari, Chattra, ceiling and walls.
Hence, the primary claims of ₹1.25 billion gold scam are fallacious.
Additionally, these figures debunk the brass-for-gold claims made by Dharam Guru and VP of Chardham!
The donor submitted complete details of the work done and materials used. Thus, detailed bills and other relevant documents are available with the mandir committee. The gold plating process was supervised by experts from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Hence, the quality and authenticity adhere to the highest standards of preservation and craftsmanship.
Uttarakhand Government’s Response To Accusations
The Uttarakhand’s CM Dhami government has responded swiftly to these allegations. Tourism, Religion, and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj ordered the formation of a high-level inquiry committee chaired by the Garhwal commissioner. This committee includes technical experts and goldsmiths who will thoroughly investigate the matter.
Minister Maharaj emphasized that the gold plating was conducted under the provisions of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939. The act provides a framework for the management and preservation of the mandir. Thereby, ensuring that all activities are carried out transparently and with proper authorization. The gold was donated by a devotee and the process was supervised by ASI experts. Thus, ensuring that the sanctity of the mandir was maintained.
Minister Maharaj accused opposition parties of attempting to disrupt the Chardham Yatra by unnecessarily exaggerating the issue. He reassured the public that the state government is extremely sensitive to these allegations and that appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty. The formation of the high-level inquiry committee is a testament to the BJP state government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Evidence Debunking the Kedarnath Gold Scam
- Documented Use of Gold and Copper: Firstly, the temple committee provided detailed records showing that 23,777.800 grams of gold, worth ₹14.38 crore was used. Secondly, they showede documented details of 1001.300 kg of copper plates, worth ₹29 lakh, were utilized for the sanctum sanctorum’s gold plating. All figures and numbers are supported by invoices and records submitted by the donor.
- Supervision by Experts: The gold plating process was supervised by experts ASI. This ensures that the materials used and the process followed adhere to the highest standards of authenticity and quality. The ASI’s involvement guarantees that there was no substitution of brass for gold.
- High-Level Inquiry Committee: To quell the allegations, CM Dhami has instituted a high-level inquiry committee that includes technical experts and goldsmiths. They will investigate the physical evidence and documentary proof thoroughly. The committee’s findings will provide an unbiased and expert evaluation of the materials used and the process followed. Thereby, assuring the public of transparency while debunking myths or accusations!
- No Direct Involvement of the Temple Committee: The temple committee clarified that it had no direct involvement in the gold plating process. The gold was donated by a devotee. The plating was done under the supervision of ASI experts. Therefore, the temple committee could not have exchanged gold or copper! The committee is attempting to ensure transparency and accountability to clear their name.
Proposed Representative Kedarnath Mandir In Delhi
🚨 Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the #Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, has alleged that 228 kilograms of gold are missing from Uttarakhand's #Kedarnath Temple, claiming no inquiry has been initiated into the matter.
Credit ~ @ANI pic.twitter.com/745JkfOKMn
— The India Info (@the_india_info) July 16, 2024
The accusations of the Kedarnath Gold Scam were given a public spotlight by Swami Avimukteshwaranand, whose status as Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath was set aside by the Supreme Court in 2022. These accusations seem to be his way to protest against the foundation laid for a representative of Kedarnath in Delhi. His critique completely centers on the idea of how a new Kedarnath mandir at Delhi is a political stunt of the BJP while the existing Kedarnath mandir has a well-known gold scam!
The opposition and Swami Avimukteshwaranand call the Delhi Kedarnath a political stunt!
According to the Shiv Puran, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, with a specific location in the Himalayas. Thus, the idea of a representative temple in Delhi is controversial among some religious leaders. However, the Kedarnath Trust defended Delhi’s representative Kedarnath by stating that the mandir in Delhi is not a Dham but a place of worship. Similar temples exist in other cities. This construction in Delhi aims to honor the spiritual significance of Kedarnath without replacing its original sanctity. Therefore, the controversy surrounding the Kedarnath temple in Delhi is a true political stunt.
The new Kedarnath temple in Delhi is a symbolic gesture to bring the spiritual essence of Kedarnath closer to the people living in the capital.
In Summary
The allegations of a gold scam at Kedarnath are unfounded and politically motivated. And the objections to representative Kedarnath mandir in Delhi are unfounded. The proposal for a representative Kedarnath temple in Delhi is not a replacement for the original sacred site.
The accusations of brass replacing gold at the Kedarnath mandir highlight how misinformation is spread to Sanatanis.
Thereby, it also highlights the importance of countering misinformation with facts to preserve the sanctity of religious traditions and ensure communal harmony. The Uttarakhand government’s prompt action and transparency should lay these baseless accusations to rest. And hopefully, the Dharam Guru will not object to building temples in Sanatan Bharat!