Kedarnath chief priest expresses desire to retire, names successor; sparks row

DEHRADUN: Kedarnath rawal (head priest) Bhimashankar Ling, 70, has expressed his desire to retire, citing poor health, and named his disciple Shivacharya Shanti Ling (Kedar Ling) as his successor, triggering a row with the Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC), which said the decision will be taken as per laid-down procedures.Bhimashankar, who took charge as the rawal in 2000, made the announcement at a recent religious event in Nanded, Maharashtra, naming his disciple as the 325th rawal of the shrine. However, the BKTC, which administers the temple, said it has not received any official communication from the rawal in this regard.BKTC chief Hemant Dwivedi told TOI, "The provisions for appointing a new rawal are clearly laid down in the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939. One cannot simply announce a successor in this manner. A committee is formed, which works on the recommendation of a sub-committee. Thereafter, a screening committee reviews all aspects before the name of the new Rawal is finalised."Traditionally, rawals have been appointed at the centuries-old shrine since the 8th century, when Adi Shankaracharya laid down norms for the post. As per tradition, only a member of the Veerashaiva community of Karnataka can be appointed a rawal. The rawal is required to be unmarried, a devotee of Lord Shiva, and is responsible for conducting prayers and rituals at Kedarnath. The rawal's presence is mandatory during the opening and closing ceremonies of the temple portals.Kedarnath has witnessed an annual footfall of over 15 lakh pilgrims in recent years. The date for the opening of the temple portals this year will be announced on the occasion of Mahashivratri.Dwivedi said that if the rawal wishes to retire, he should formally inform the BKTC, after which due process will be initiated. "Traditions laid down by Adi Shankaracharya are being followed to date. Like we have a Namboodiri Brahmin as the rawal at Badrinath. There is a defined process not only for rawal but also for the appointment of nayab rawal and other temple functionaries," he added.