Haridwar, June 28, 2013: The saints and the Raval (chief priest) of Kedarnath, Bhimashankar Ling Shivacharya Maharaj seem to be engaging in war of words over performing puja at holy shrine. The Raval openly threatened the saints of serious repercussions if any interference is made in the traditional puja rites of Kedarnarh. The Raval alleged that Shankaracharya Swarupanand is misleading the people over offering puja at Kedarnath temple. The Raval said that he may approach the court in case of need. He will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Congress president Sonia Gandhi over the issue, added the chief priest. Meanwhile, saints are adamant to perform puja after cleaning the temple premises, while temple committee has started offering puja to Lord Shiva at Ukhimath. The temple committee cites reason that no puja will be performed until the sanctum sanctorum gets cleansed, whereas the saints termed the offering puja at another place as unreligious. The Raval said that Shankaracharya has insulted him by terming as servant of temple committee, adding that he takes no remuneration for offering puja at the temple.

Source: Post, DT. June 28, 2013.