‘Joshimath’ is ‘Jyotirmath’ Now: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Renames Tehsil in Chamoli

Chamoli: In a historic decision, the Uttarakhand government on Wednesday announced that the Joshimath tehsil in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand will now be officially known by its ancient name, Jyotirmath, as the Centre approved the proposal to change the name. Apart from Joshimath, Kosya Kutauli tehsil of Nainital district will now be known as ‘Shri Kainchi Dham’. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had announced to change the name of the tehsil at an event held in Ghat, a town in Chamoli district, last year. The renaming of ‘Joshimath’ to ‘Jyotirmath’ is a move that aims to honour the historical and cultural heritage of the region, reflecting its ancient roots.

According to the government officials, the local people were demanding the change in the name of Joshimath to Jyotirmath for a long time. The demand to change the name was also raised prominently before Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Centre Approved Proposal of Renaming Joshimath to Jyotirmath

Considering the sentiments of the local people, CM Dhami took the demand seriously and decided to change the name. Following the announcement of the Chief Minister, a proposal was moved and sent to the Government of India. Now the Centre has approved the proposal of Jyotirmath Tehsil. The decision of the government has been welcomed by the local people.

According to the locals, it is believed that Adi Guru Shankaracharya came to the area in the 8th century. He did penance under the Amar Kalpa tree and attained divine knowledge and light.

Due to ‘Divya Gyan Jyoti’ and ‘Jayoteshwar Mahadev’, this place was named ‘Jyotirmath’, however, over the time the place became popular by the name of Joshimath.

The locals in recent times, started demanding for changing the name prominently. The Chief Minister respecting the public sentiments, decided to name Joshimath tehsil as Jyotirmath. The name Jyotirmath now stands as a testament to the rich heritage and faith that define this region.

Devastating Natural Disaster in Joshimath

Earlier last year, on January 7, 2023, the Uttarakhand government declared Joshimath town as a landslide and subsidence 'hit zone' after it experienced a devastating natural disaster, marked by incidents of land bursting and cracks appearing in houses across the region. Apart from Joshimath, 8 more places in Uttarakhand were declared highly vulnerable to subsidence including the names of Mussoorie, Nainital, Uttarkashi, Munsiyari, Gopeshwar, Karnaprayag, Srinagar, and Champavat.

According to reports, several key factors contributed to this collapse. A survey conducted by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority in August 2022 said that geological factors play a significant role in the instability of Joshimath. Additionally, extremely heavy rains and floods exacerbated the situation. 

Kosya Kutauli to be Known as Shri Kainchi Dham

The state officials said that the proposal to rename Kosya Kutauli tehsil of Nainital district as Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj's ashram Shri Kainchi Dham has also been approved by the Centre. CM Dhami had announced to change on June 15, 2023 on the foundation day of Kainchi Dham temple. Every day a large number of Baba's devotees reach the Dham for darshan. Kainchi Dham has also been included in the Manaskhand Mandirmala Mission.