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Uttarakhand Authorities Demolish ‘Glacier Baba’ Temple To Preserve The Sanctity Of The Sacred Devi Kund Lake

The situation escalated as more residents became aware of the self-styled godman’s actions.

by Nikitha Sebastian
Uttarakhand Authorities Demolish ‘Glacier Baba’ Temple To Preserve The Sanctity Of The Sacred Devi Kund Lake

Uttarakhand has demolished an illegal temple built by a self-styled godman near the sacred Devi Kund pond. The structure, known as the ‘Glacier Baba’ temple, was located on the Sunderdhunga Glacier at an elevation of 16,500 feet. It was erected by Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash, who claimed to have received divine orders in a dream.

Uttarakhand Authorities Demolish ‘Glacier Baba’ Temple

The demolition operation took place over two days and involved a combined team of police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and forest personnel. They navigated challenging terrain to reach the site and completed the demolition on Saturday. Kapkot Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Anurag Arya clarified that the structure was not a temple in the traditional sense. Instead, it was a simple one-room building constructed without authorisation.

Local residents were outraged by Akash’s actions. He used the Devi Kund as a swimming pool, bathing there frequently. This pond is of great cultural and religious significance, especially during the Nanda Raja Jaat Yatra. This festival occurs every 12 years, during which idols of deities are bathed in its waters. Akash’s presence raised concerns among locals, prompting them to report his activities to the district administration in July.

Also Read: Two-Day Trek To Iconic Seiganto-Ji Temple Pagoda Leaves Women Disappointed As They Encounter A Giant Photo Instead

Self-Styled Godman’s Actions

The situation escalated as more residents became aware of the self-styled godman’s actions. His dubious past came to light, as he had been driven out of several places, including Dwarahat, before arriving at the glacier. Despite his claims of divine guidance, the area is ecologically sensitive, and any unauthorised construction is strictly prohibited.

Efforts to demolish the structure were delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The site was difficult to access, and attempting to reach it during the peak of the monsoon would have posed significant risks. Arya noted that the terrain was vulnerable to natural disasters, which made the operation even more challenging. An earlier attempt in July had to be abandoned due to these conditions.

Also Read: Peacock Spotted At 6,500 Feet In Uttarakhand; Is It A Sign of Ecological Disruption In The Himalayas?

With weather conditions improving, authorities recognised the need to act swiftly. The presence of the illegal structure posed a threat to the eco-sensitive zone, making its removal imperative. No one was found inside the temple at the time of the demolition, highlighting the absence of a genuine following or community support for Akash’s claims.

Cover Image Courtesy: @AK____0_0/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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First Published: October 09, 2024 4:12 PM