Shri Kedarnath Trust Earmarks Rs 120 Crores For Construction Work In Temple Premises  

In a positive development, Rs 120 crores has been earmarked by the Shri Kedarnath Utthan Charitable Trust (SKUCT) for the construction work in the temple premises, reports Hindustan Times.

As per the information given by the state’s Tourism Secretary Dilip Jawalkar, the second phase of the construction work with a cost of Rs 120 crores will be completed in Kedarnath Dham, including 50 feet wide walkway, security wall and other works.

It should be noted that SKUCT was constituted by the Uttarakhand government in 2017 with an aim to facilitate construction, re-construction, development, re-development and renovation of all infrastructure at Kedarnath Dham.

It was established by the state government with an aim to ensure holistic and time bound rehabilitation of the Kedarnath shrine which was badly affected by flash floods in the year 2013. The trust receives funds from various PSUs and other companies for reconstruction work under their corporate social responsibility programme.

At 11,657 feet above sea level, Kedarnath is one of the most scenic and ethereal pilgrimage sites of Hindus. Steeped in legend and spirituality, records about this shrine date back to 6th century CE, when worship has been offered to Kedarnath almost continuously through.

The shrine may be lodged in the Himalayan valleys, but its head priest is traditionally from the Veerashaiva community down south in Karnataka. The shrine is even mentioned in Tamil bhakti works. Adi Shankara, born in today’s Kerala, one of India’s most influential philosophers, is said to have attained samadhi here.