Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela’s recent comment about her personality has infuriated priests of Badrinath. In an interview, the actress stated that there is a temple dedicated to her in Uttarakhand. She further went on to express her wish for a similar temple to be constructed in South India, mentioning the number of films she has worked on in that region. The video went viral, enraging the priests of Badrinath and local residents.
The Urvashi Temple located close to Badrinath Dham, which the actor referred to as “her” temple, is regarded as a holy place by locals. According to religious faith, the temple is devoted to Goddess Urvashi—thought to have come either from Lord Vishnu’s thigh or from the holy location where pieces of Goddess Sati’s body are believed to have landed, based on different legends.
According to India Today, local priest Bhuwan Chandra Uniyal, the former religious officer of Badrinath Dham, rejected Urvashi Rautela’s assertion, labeling it deceptive. He explained that the Urvashi Temple is associated with Goddess Sati, a revered character in Hindu mythology, and is acknowledged as one of the 108 Shaktipeeths. Uniyal also highlighted the temple’s profound spiritual importance to the inhabitants of Bamni and Pandukeshwar villages, where it continues to be a vital aspect of their community worship practices.
“It isn’t her temple. Such remarks are intolerable, and the government must take severe steps against anyone who makes such claims”, Uniyal stated to the publication.
Amit Sati, the President of the Brahma Kapal Teerth Purohit Society, also voiced his dissatisfaction with Rautela’s comments. He additionally explained that the temple is historic and associated with Goddess Urvashi, rather than any specific person. “Such remarks show a lack of respect for the religious sentiments of the local people,” he stated.
Residents of Bamni and Pandukeshwar, who regard the temple as highly sacred, also criticized Urvashi Rautela. Local resident Ramnarayan Bhandari explicitly stated that no one has the authority to assert personal claims regarding a temple with profound mythological importance. He stated that the whole community disapproves of Rautela’s comments.
