People visiting one of the holiest Hindu temples in India’s Himalayan mountains must consume cow urine as a test of faith before they are allowed inside

New entry rules for the Gangotri temple in Uttarakhand make it compulsory for every visitor to consume panchgavya, a ritual concoction made from five cow-derived products – milk, curd, ghee, honey and cow urine. The idea, according to the committee overseeing the shrine, is to keep out non-believers

“This is to keep out non-Sanatani and non-believers from the Gangotari temple,” the committee’s chair, Dharmendra Semwal, told The Independent, referring to Sanatan Dharam, a term used to describe the traditional form of Hindu belief and practice

“True believers will have no problem in consuming it,” he said. “Only those entering in disguise with no faith in the religion will have a problem. They won't be allowed”

The new measure will be implemented at the gates where temple personnel will supply the “holy water” to devotees before they enter

“This will restore faith and spirituality in people, and those getting a chance to consume it should consider themselves fortunate,” Mr Semwal said

The new rules were announced as a major annual pilgrimage for Hindus called Char Dham Yatra began on Sunday. The pilgrimage draws millions of devotees to four temples, including the Gangotri shrine, high in the Himalayas[…]
Mr Semwal said Char Dham pilgrims had already started arriving, and none had so far objected to drinking the “holy water” mixed with cow urine at the Gangotri temple