Temples Are Not Tourist Spots: Swami Jitendranand on Sara Ali Khan's Kedarnath Visit
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati and Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi clash over Sara Ali Khan's visit to Kedarnath Temple.
A fresh wave of controversy has erupted following Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan's recent pilgrimage to the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. The visit has sparked a heated debate between religious leaders, with discussions shifting from the actress's personal faith to the legal and spiritual status of Hindu temples.
Pilgrimage vs. Tourism
Speaking to the media in Haridwar, Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, the National General Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, weighed in on the actress's visit. He emphasized a clear distinction between visiting a site for leisure and visiting for devotion, asserting that Hindu temples are pilgrimage sites and not mere tourist destinations.
Referring to a recent legal precedent, Swami Jitendranand noted that the Chennai High Court had delivered a verdict just three days prior, affirming that Hindu temples are not tourist spots but places of pilgrimage. He stated that while anyone with genuine faith is welcome to visit, that faith must be evident in their conduct.
Clash Over Religious Boundaries
The Swami also addressed the internal reactions within the Muslim community regarding the actress's actions. He suggested that the responsibility lies with Islamic leaders to guide their own followers. In a broader critique of cultural integration, he questioned why, if Muslim boys are encouraged to participate in Dandiya Raas, the involvement does not extend to the rest of the family, including daughters.
Fatwa Issued Against the Actress
While Swami Jitendranand focused on the nature of the temples, the visit drew sharp condemnation from conservative Islamic circles. Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat based in Bareilly, issued a fatwa declaring Sara Ali Khan's actions as "impermissible" (najayaz) and "haram" under Sharia law.
The cleric stated that he had been approached by many young Muslims seeking clarity on whether such visits are allowed. He clarified that for any Muslim, regardless of gender, participating in the rituals or offering prayers in another religion is strictly forbidden. He urged the actress to seek forgiveness (tauba) from Allah for her actions.
Rituals at Kedarnath
Reports indicate that during her visit, Sara Ali Khan did not merely visit the premises but actively participated in puja and aarti rituals. These ceremonies took place at both the main Kedarnath Temple and the nearby Bhukunt Bhairav Temple.
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time Sara Ali Khan has found herself at the center of a religious or political storm. In 2018, right-wing organizations protested her debut film, Kedarnath, citing issues with the storyline. Simultaneously, she has frequently been targeted by conservative Islamic figures on social media for her multi-faith personal practices.
Professional Update
Amidst the religious uproar, the actress continues to make waves in the film industry. She was recently featured in the spy-comedy Udta Teer alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. Directed by Akash A Kaushik in his directorial debut, the film—which features a massive ensemble cast including Rahul Bose and Gulshan Grover—reportedly earned over Rs 4 crore on its opening day, according to trade analyst Taran Adarsh.