Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, representing the divine light of Lord Shiva. It is located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand and is situated in the midst of the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, who make the journey to Kedarnath as part of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is also significant due to its location in the midst of the Himalayas, making it a popular spot for both pilgrimage and adventure tourism. The temple is open from April/May to November, as the region is covered in snow for the rest of the year.

Important facts about Kedarnath Temple

One of the holiest journeys of the Hindus, Kedarnath Temple JyotirLinga is situated in the beautiful surroundings of Rudra Himalaya Range at a stature of 12000 feet on a mountain named Kedar. Close Kedarnath is the wellspring of the stream Mandakini that joins Alakananda at Rudraprayag. This place is around 150 miles far from Hardwar and 132 miles north of Rishikesh and can be reached by foot. It is supposed that the sanctuary of Kedarnath was built by the Pandavas. At the passage of the sanctuary is the statue of Nandi, the awesome bull of Shiva. Dividers inside the sanctuary are wonderfully cut with pictures. The worshipped Shiva Lingam housed in the sanctuary is in an abnormal pyramidal shape.

The legend goes that Nara and Narayana – two incarnations of Vishnu performed extreme retribution in Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand before a Shiva Lingam formed out of the earth. Satisfied with their dedication, Lord Shiva showed up before them and said that they may request aid. Nar and Narayan asked for Shiva to take up a lasting dwelling place, a JyotirLingam at Kedarnath with the goal that all individuals who venerate Shiva should be liberated from their torments.

Importance of Kedarnath Temple

Located in the grand Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is outstanding amongst other known Shivasthalams in India and is thought to be a standout amongst the most hallowed journey focuses on the nation. It is trusted that by appealing to Kedareshwar, one can get every one of his wants satisfied. The significance of the hallowed place can be additionally comprehended from the convictions that Upamanyu implored Lord Shiva in this place in Satayuga while in Dwapar, the Pandavas adored Lord Shiva here. Indeed, even the otherworldly pioneer Adi Sankaracharya is nearly connected with Kedarnath.

Kedarnath Temple Things to do details

  • Visit the Kedarnath Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.
  • Explore the surrounding areas: The temple is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the Himalayas.
  • Take a dip in the nearby hot springs: There are several hot springs near the temple, believed to have therapeutic properties.
  • Visit the nearby waterfalls: There are several waterfalls in the area that are popular tourist spots.
  • Go for a trek: The temple is surrounded by many trekking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
  • Participate in local festivals: The temple is the site of several religious festivals throughout the year.
  • Shop for local souvenirs: You can buy souvenirs such as shawls, herbs, and trinkets to take back home.

Activities

  • Trekking: Explore the scenic surroundings of Kedarnath Temple through trekking trails.
  • Pilgrimage: Visit the temple and participate in religious ceremonies and rituals.
  • Camping: Set up camp near the temple and experience the serene beauty of the Himalayas.
  • Wildlife spotting: Look for local wildlife such as the Himalayan musk deer, the snow leopard, and the Himalayan black bear.
  • River Rafting: Enjoy rafting in the nearby Mandakini River.
  • Snow Activities: Enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in the surrounding areas.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Take part in yoga and meditation sessions to rejuvenate your mind and body.
  • Local Festivals: Experience the rich cultural heritage of the area by attending local festivals.

Kedarnath Temple History

The Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, representing the divine light of Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Hindu epic of Mahabharata. The temple has been destroyed and reconstructed several times over the centuries, with the current structure dating back to the 8th century AD. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, who make the arduous journey to Kedarnath as part of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is also significant due to its location in the midst of the Himalayas, making it a popular spot for both pilgrimage and adventure tourism.

How to reach

Reaching Kedarnath Temple:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 235 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is about 223 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.

By Bus: There are regular bus services from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Kedarnath. The journey takes around 10-12 hours.

By Foot: The temple is accessible by foot, with a trek of around 14 km from Gaurikund. The trek is considered to be challenging, but it offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

Note: The temple is open only from April/May to November, as the region is covered in snow for the rest of the year.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is from April/May to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple visit and trekking.

June to August is monsoon season and can be wet and slippery, making the trek difficult.

December to March is winter and the temple is covered in snow, making it inaccessible.

Note: The temple is open only from April/May to November, as the region is covered in snow for the rest of the year.

Nearby attractions

Here are some of the nearby attractions to Kedarnath Temple:

  • Vasuki Tal: A high-altitude glacial lake located about 5 km from the temple.
  • Trijuginarayan Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located about 9 km from Kedarnath.
  • Chopta: A popular trekking destination, known for its scenic meadows and forests.
  • Tungnath Temple: The highest Shiva temple in the world, located about 4 km from Chopta.
  • Deoria Tal: A scenic lake surrounded by dense forests, located about 3 km from Sari Village.
  • Gandhi Sarovar: A high-altitude glacial lake located near Kedarnath, believed to have been visited by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Mandakini River: A river that flows through the Kedarnath valley, offering opportunities for river rafting.
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