Urvashi Rautela’s Temple Remark Sparks Outrage in Badrinath; Locals, Priests Demand Action
Urvashi Rautela’s Temple Remark Sparks Outrage in Badrinath; Locals, Priests Demand Action
Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has found herself at the center of a controversy after claiming in an interview that a temple near Badrinath is dedicated to her. The statement has triggered strong reactions from priests and locals in the region, who say her comments are disrespectful and misleading.
In a conversation with YouTuber Siddharth Kannan, Rautela mentioned a temple in Bamni, near the sacred Badrinath Dham, and claimed that devotees worship her there, referring to it as the “Urvashi Temple.” She added that people garland her photos and address her as “Damdamamai,” a name that implies divine status.
Her remarks have not gone down well with the local community. Religious leaders and villagers argue that the temple in question is of historical and spiritual importance and has no connection to the actress. They accuse Rautela of trivializing their faith and have demanded government intervention.
Bhuwan Chandra Uniyal, a former religious officer at Badrinath Dham, told India Today that Rautela’s claim was not only inaccurate but offensive. “The Urvashi Temple is rooted in Hindu mythology and is associated with Goddess Sati. It is not a site for self-glorification,” he said.
The temple is believed to be one of the 108 Shaktipeeths—sacred places where parts of Goddess Sati’s body are said to have fallen. According to legend, the site marks the spot where one such part fell, making it a significant place of pilgrimage.
Amit Sati, President of the Brahma Kapal Teerth Purohit Society, said the temple is a part of ancient spiritual heritage. “It is not a personal legacy for any celebrity to claim,” he remarked, expressing disappointment over the actress’s comments.
The backlash has also come from villagers in Bamni and nearby Pandukeshwar, who are upset by what they see as an attempt to commercialize or co-opt their religious traditions. “No matter how famous you are, you don’t get to claim ownership of something sacred to generations of believers,” said one local resident.
Despite the criticism, Rautela appeared undeterred and even suggested that temples in her name should also be built in South India, citing her collaborations with actors like Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, and Balakrishna. “If others have temples, why not me?” she said.
While India has seen fans deify celebrities before, many believe this instance crossed a line, especially as it involves a revered religious site.
With the controversy gaining momentum, it remains to be seen if any formal action will follow or if the episode will fade from public memory.
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Next level delusion 🤣😭#UrvashiRautela
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