Actress Urvashi Rautela has stirred controversy with her recent comments during an interview where she claimed that there is a temple in her name near the sacred Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand. The Daaku Maharaj star added that she wishes for a similar temple to be built in South India, given her contributions to regional cinema. Her remarks quickly went viral, leading to backlash from locals, priests, and the public.
Rashami Desai Reacts Sharply
Popular television actress Rashami Desai called out Rautela’s comments in an Instagram post, slamming her for allegedly making a mockery of religion. Rashami wrote, “It’s sad that people don’t even take action against such nonsense… Hinduism is becoming a joke. Representing India and talking senseless on purpose… it’s sad, please don’t play games on the name of religion.”
Rautela Doubles Down on Her Claim
In the interview with Siddharth Kannan, Urvashi insisted, “There is a temple in my name in Uttarakhand… if you visit Badrinath, it’s right next to it.” When asked if people seek blessings there, she cheekily responded, “Ab mandir hai toh woh hi toh karenge.” She further claimed that students from Delhi University garland her pictures and call her ‘Damdamamai’, asserting that her fans visit the temple regularly.
Religious Authorities Refute Claims
However, Bhuwan Chandra Uniyal, former religious officer of Badrinath, clarified that the temple near Badrinath is dedicated to Goddess Urvashi, a celestial figure from Hindu mythology, not the actress. Outraged locals from Bamni and Pandukeshwar accused Urvashi of distorting religious facts, and Uniyal urged authorities to take action.
As backlash grows, the incident has reignited debate over celebrity statements and the sanctity of religious traditions.