The UP Irrigation Minister might have announced the formation of Shiv-ki-Pauri in line with existing Har-ki-Pauri but some factions of the priest community have not liked the idea of another landmark fearing that it would lessen the importance of Har-ki-Pauri. The proposal for building Shiv Ki Pauri near Dam Kothi on ganga canal has started facing opposition right from its concept stage. Members of Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Teerth Purohit Mahasabha allege that it is an attempt to misguide the tourists coming to the holy city. Members of Brahmkund Raksha Samiti also staged protest against the new proposal.
‘Shiv Ghat’ name proposed as alternative Following the unrest amongst the priest community and the Ganga Mahasabha members, a meeting was called by Kailashanand Brahmchari of Kali temple on Wednesday in which the Ganga Sabha office bearers and SDO Upper Ganga Canal Sushil Yadav participated. Officer of Irrigation department of UP Block, Sushil Kumar Yadav told The Pioneer that ‘Shiv Ghat’ name has been proposed for the new ghat instead of Shiv Ki Pauri. “When the UP cabinet minister Shiv Pal Yadav came to know that sentiments of some people were hurt so he proposed a different name Shiv Ghat. The earlier name was not kept to hurt the sentiments of the people of Haridwar.
Speaking to The Pioneer, president of Yuva teerth Purohit Mahasabha Ujjwal Pandit said, “Har ki Pauri is the centre of faith. By using a similar name for another site would definitely create confusion in the minds of the people. We protest the making of Shiv Ki Pauri in Haridwar.”
The Yuva teerth Purohit Mahasabha has even threatened to take the protest to streets if the Uttar Pradesh Government does not withdraw its proposal of making the new sanctum sanctorum. The general secretary of Mahasabha Sumit Shrikunj said, “It would a wide protest by all the priests and purohit community. We cannot allow in any possible way to lessen the importance of Har Ki Pauri.”
Spokesperson of Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad Baba Hathyogi had said, “The whole saint community has expressed concern over the new proposal of making Shiv Ki Pauri on the pattern of Har Ki Pauri. Any such attempt is condemned which aims at minimizing the importance of Har Ki Pauri. It is an insult to the prestige of the historicity of the place. No one has right to affect the faith of the Hindus for his own political or individual vested interests.”