Kedarnath Temple
Welcome to Kedarnath Temple, a sacred sanctuary situated in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and a key part of the Char Dham Yatra.
Kedarnath Temple: A Spiritual Odyssey in the Himalayas
| Deity: | Shiv (Jyotirlinga) |
| State – City: | Kedarnath, Uttararakhand |
| Best time to visit | May – Jun, Sep-Oct |
| Open Hours | 4AM to 5PM and 5PM to 9PM |
| Popular festival | Vinayak Chathurthi and Deepavali |
FAQ
Where is Kedarnath temple located
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
When was the temple formed and by whom?
The history of Kedarnath Temple is as awe-inspiring as its surroundings. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, over 3,000 years ago. The present structure, however, was constructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The temple has withstood the test of time and nature, surviving numerous natural calamities, including devastating floods. In 2013, the temple faced one of its greatest challenges when severe flooding struck the region. Remarkably, the temple remained intact, symbolizing the enduring strength of faith.
What are the cultural and mythological references of this temple?
Kedarnath Temple holds a profound place in Hindu mythology. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for their sins committed during the war. They embarked on a journey to seek his blessings, but Shiva, unwilling to absolve them easily, disguised himself as a bull and eluded them. When the Pandavas finally caught up with him in Kedarnath, Shiva dived into the ground, leaving his hump visible. This hump is worshipped as the Jyotirlinga at Kedarnath.
The linkage between Kedarnath and Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal further enriches its spiritual significance. It is believed that the bull’s other body parts emerged at four other locations in the form of divine manifestations, collectively known as the Panch Kedar. Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is revered as the head of the divine bull and is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the world. This connection signifies the unity and omnipresence of Lord Shiva across the Himalayas.
What are some of the unique points of this temple?
Kedarnath is not just a temple; it is a symbol of spiritual resilience and devotion. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it is a revered pilgrimage site. The temple’s remote location, accessible only by a trek or helicopter, adds to its mystique and the devotion of its pilgrims. The backdrop of snow-clad peaks makes it one of the most picturesque religious sites in India.
A unique feature of Kedarnath Temple is its high-altitude location, standing at 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level. The temple is constructed of massive stone slabs, interlocked with each other without any mortar, showcasing ancient engineering marvels. The temple complex includes a kund (water tank) believed to have miraculous healing powers. Pilgrims often take a dip in its icy waters before offering their prayers. Additionally, the temple houses idols of Parvati, Lord Krishna, the Pandavas, and their mother Kunti.
The temple is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, which includes visiting five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. This pilgrimage is a testament to the deep-rooted Shiva worship in this region.
How is the Temple Architecture?
The Kedarnath Temple showcases a simple yet majestic architectural style. Built of grey stone, the temple’s sanctum houses the conical rock formation that is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his “Sadashiva” form. The temple’s facade is adorned with intricate carvings depicting various deities and mythological scenes. The structure’s robustness is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of ancient Indian builders.
What is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is during the summer months, from May to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is relatively mild, and the temple is open to devotees. The temple remains closed during the harsh winter months, from November to April, due to heavy snowfall.
Directions and How to Reach the temple?
Kedarnath Temple is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Here are the ways to reach the temple:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 238 km from Kedarnath. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 216 km from Kedarnath. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund.
- By Road: Kedarnath is accessible by road up to Gaurikund, from where it is a 16 km trek to the temple. Regular bus services and taxis are available from major cities in Uttarakhand to Gaurikund. For those who prefer a quicker journey, helicopter services are also available from various locations to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Temple stands as a beacon of unwavering faith amidst the towering Himalayas. Its spiritual significance, coupled with its breathtaking location, makes it a must-visit for devotees and travellers alike.