Kedarnath Rawal Appointment Controversy: Tradition vs. Rules; Who Will Be the 325th Rawal of Baba Kedar?

Rudraprayag/Nanded, February 16, 2026: A new debate has erupted regarding the appointment of the Chief Priest (Rawal) of the world-famous Kedarnath Dham. The current Rawal, 1008 Bhimashankar Linga Shivacharya Mahaswami, who has served Baba Kedar for the past 25 years, has announced his retirement from the post due to health reasons.

1. Announcement of Successor and Cause of Controversy

During a religious ceremony at his monastery in Nanded, Maharashtra, Rawal Bhimashankar Linga named his disciple, Shivacharya Shanti Linga (Kedar Linga), as his successor and the 325th Rawal.

Where is the controversy? The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has raised questions regarding this direct announcement. The committee states that:

• The appointment of the Rawal is not based solely on personal will but must follow the rules established under the BKTC Act of 1939.

• Technically, the Rawal falls under the jurisdiction of the Temple Committee; therefore, the final approval of a successor happens only after the committee’s investigation and selection process.

2. Tradition and Qualifications of the Kedarnath Rawal

The tradition of the Rawal at Kedarnath Dham has been ongoing since the time of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It follows several strict rules:

• Community: The Rawal must belong to the Veerashaiva Lingayat community of South India (specifically Karnataka).

• Celibacy: It is mandatory for the Rawal to remain unmarried (celibate) to hold the position.

• Responsibilities: The presence of the Rawal is mandatory during the opening and closing ceremonies of the temple portals. However, they do not perform the puja inside the sanctum sanctorum themselves; instead, priests appointed by them carry out the rituals.

3. What Happens Next?

The BKTC President has clarified that the process for a new appointment cannot begin until a formal resignation is received from the current Rawal. In the coming days, a selection committee may be formed to evaluate the proposed successor's name.