Dehradun: A major controversy has erupted in Uttarakhand over the disappearance of the sacred ‘Roop Chhad’ (Dharma Danda) of Kedarnath Dham. The Badri-Kedar
Temple Committee (BKTC) has come under fire for negligence, while the government has ordered an investigation into the matter.
The issue came to light when the Roop Chhad was not found in the temple’s storehouse. Religious Affairs Minister Satpal Maharaj strongly objected, stating that such negligence was unacceptable. He emphasized that the BKTC is responsible for safeguarding all religious symbols of Kedarnath and ordered a thorough inquiry.
Sacred Symbol of Kedarnath
The Roop Chhad, also known as the Dharma Danda, is considered a divine symbol of Baba Kedarnath. Priests say that visiting Kedarnath or seeing the Roop Chhad carries equal religious merit, as it is regarded as a form of Lord Kedarnath himself. Traditionally, the Roop Chhad accompanies the movable idol doli during rituals and holds immense spiritual significance.
Roop Chhad had been taken to Maharashtra by Kedarnath’s Rawal, Bhimashankar Ling
Later, it was revealed that the Roop Chhad had been taken to Maharashtra by Kedarnath’s Rawal, Bhimashankar Ling, for a private religious ceremony in Nanded. Permission for this was granted by BKTC’s Chief Executive Officer Vijay Thapliyal on January 19, 2026. The relic was reportedly used during a Shiv Katha and Vishwa Shanti Yagna, after which it was deposited at Omkareshwar Temple, Kedarnath’s winter seat.
Political and Religious Reactions
Congress spokesperson Garima Dasauni criticized the BKTC’s silence, questioning why permission was granted for a private event when no such tradition exists in the Char Dhams. She alleged that the committee under Hemant Dwivedi’s leadership was failing in its responsibilities.
Priests and experts also expressed concern. Kedarnath priest Praveen Tiwari clarified that while the Roop Chhad has now been returned safely, taking it outside Kedarnath without proper approval was unwise. He stressed that the relic should never leave the temple treasury once the doors are closed.
Historical Context
Documents show that similar requests had been made earlier. In 2000, the Rawal had sought permission to carry Kedarnath’s sacred symbols to South India, but the temple administration had denied it, stating that such practices were neither tradition nor custom. The rules clearly state that all religious symbols must remain in BKTC’s custody when the temple doors are closed.
Stirred commotion among devotees and political circles
The controversy has stirred commotion among devotees and political circles alike. With the government ordering an investigation, attention is now on the BKTC’s accountability and the protection of Kedarnath’s sacred relics. For devotees, the Roop Chhad is not just a symbol but a living embodiment of Baba Kedarnath, making its mishandling deeply troubling.
