Deadlock continues over appointment of new Rawal at Kedar

Dehradun: The deadlock over the appointment of a new Rawal (chief priest) of Kedarnath temple continues more than a month after the incumbent priest, Bhimashankar Ling, 70, expressed his desire to retire citing health concerns and proposed his disciple, Shivacharya Shanti Ling (also known as Kedar Ling), as his successor. Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), however, maintained that Rawal does not have the authority to appoint his successor, leading to a prolonged impasse.The situation has been further complicated by a recent controversy involving the Rawal taking the sacred ‘Roop Chhadi' (ceremonial stick) outside the temple premises to an event in Nanded, Maharashtra, drawing strong objections from Teerth Purohits (temple priests). The act has been criticised as a violation of long-standing traditions, which mandate that the stick must remain within the shrine. Following objections, a notice has been issued to the Rawal seeking an explanation. Investigation is underway at both govt and committee levels. In a related development, BKTC chief executive officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, who had authorised the ceremonial object's movement, was removed from his position late Tuesday and sent back to his parent department, Krishi Utpadan Mandi Samiti. Earlier that day, state tourism department formally cancelled Thapliyal's deputation as BKTC CEO, a post he had held since July 29, 2024, and relieved him ahead of Char Dham yatra.BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said, "A new Rawal is appointed based on recommendations of the committee and a screening panel, which are constituted only after the current Rawal formally submits a retirement proposal—something we have not yet received," he said, citing the BKTC Act, 1939.As per tradition, only a member of the Veerashaiva community from Karnataka can be appointed as Rawal of Kedarnath. The position requires the priest to remain unmarried, be a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, and oversee all major religious rituals at the shrine, including mandatory presence during the opening and closing of the temple portals.