Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Bhagwan Shiv
By Bhavjot Bhasin
The Kedarnath Temple, located in the Garhwal Himalayas, was established by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata, seeking Bhagwan Shiv's forgiveness for their sins during the great war.
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Legend says that Bhagwan Shiv disguised himself as a bull to evade the Pandavas. When they reached Kedarnath, he disappeared into the ground, leaving only his hump, now worshipped as a Jyotirlinga.
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The other body parts of Shiv’s bull form are worshipped at different locations: Tungnath (arms), Rudranath (face), Madhyamaheshwar (navel), and Kalpeshwar (hair). Together, they form the sacred Panch Kedar.
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Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple is believed to be connected to Kedarnath, where the bull’s head is worshipped. This divine connection links the two important Shiv temples.
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Adi Shankaracharya built the present-day Kedarnath Temple structure in the 8th century. It has survived centuries of natural disasters and continues to be a symbol of resilience and devotion.
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During the winter months, the temple is closed, and the symbolic Shiv idol is worshipped in Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple, while Kedarnath remains snow-covered.
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The Kedarnath Temple was miraculously saved during the devastating floods of 2013 by a large rock, known as Bhim Shila, which diverted the floodwaters away from the temple.
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The Kedarnath Temple is not just a spiritual destination but a symbol of divine intervention and resilience. It stands as a powerful connection between humanity and the divine in the heart of the Himalayas.
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