Kedarnath Temple bans photography and filming inside premises, after controversial viral clip

The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has banned photography and filming inside the Kedarnath Temple premises. The decision comes weeks after a short clip showing a YouTuber proposing to her lover in front of a temple went viral.

Boards have been placed at various places in the temple premises urging devotees not to indulge in such activities. People visiting the temple are also advised not to enter the temple with mobile phones. It also informs them that they are under constant CCTV surveillance and any violation will be dealt with severely.

These boards are written in Hindi and English to make it easier for devotees from all over the world to understand the new rules. Legal action will be taken against those who do not follow the rules and do not respect the standards.

The guidelines further tell devotees to wear decent clothes while visiting the temple. People are also requested not to set up camps/tents around the sacred area.

The clip has garnered over 21 million views on Instagram. However, there was strong opposition from the temple management and devotees for disrespecting the sanctity of the premises. 

Following this incident, the temple body approached the police to take tough action against such encroachers for hurting the sentiments of Hindu devotees. The steering committee also asked the police to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.