Urvashi Rautela Sparks Outrage with Temple Claim Near Badrinath

BADRINATH: Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has stirred controversy following her recent claim that a temple near Badrinath is dedicated to her. The statement, made during an interview with YouTuber Siddharth Kannan, has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders and locals, who say the remarks are misleading and disrespectful to the region’s spiritual heritage.

Next level delusion 🤣😭#UrvashiRautela

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— MASS (@Freak4Salman) April 18, 2025

Rautela referred to a temple in Bamni village, located near the sacred Badrinath Dham, claiming that it is known as the “Urvashi Temple” and that devotees worship her there. She even mentioned that locals garland her photos and refer to her as “Damdamamai,” a name that suggests divine reverence.

However, her statement has not been well received by the community. Religious scholars and villagers have strongly refuted her claim, asserting that the temple has deep mythological significance and no connection to the actress. Many have called her comments an affront to their faith and demanded that authorities take notice.

Bhuwan Chandra Uniyal, former religious officer at Badrinath Dham, told India Today that Rautela’s statements were not only incorrect but also offensive. “The Urvashi Temple has roots in Hindu mythology, particularly related to Goddess Sati. It is a revered Shaktipeeth, not a place for self-promotion,” he said.

According to legends, the temple is among the 108 Shaktipeeths—sacred shrines where parts of Goddess Sati’s body are believed to have fallen. The temple’s spiritual and historical significance makes it a respected site of pilgrimage.

Amit Sati, President of the Brahma Kapal Teerth Purohit Society, also condemned the remarks. “This temple is part of ancient spiritual tradition. It’s not something any public figure can claim as their own,” he stated.

Residents of Bamni and nearby villages like Pandukeshwar have echoed similar sentiments, accusing the actress of attempting to commercialize a sacred site. “Being a celebrity doesn’t entitle anyone to rewrite religious history or make personal claims over holy places,” said one upset villager.

Despite the backlash, Rautela stood by her statement and went a step further, suggesting that similar temples should be established for her in South India. She cited her work with prominent actors such as Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, and Balakrishna, saying, “If others have temples, why not me?”

While India has seen fan-made temples honoring film stars in the past, many feel this case has crossed a line, especially given the sanctity of the location involved.

With the controversy continuing to grow, it remains unclear whether authorities will take formal action or if the matter will gradually die down in public discourse.