Kedarnath Temple is located close to the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag region of Uttarakhand at a height of 3584 metres above sea level. One of Lord Shiva's twelve Jyotirlingas is Kedarnath, which is conveniently located 220 kilometres from Rishikesh. In the eighth century A.D., Hindu Guru Adi Shankaracharya built the temple. King Kedar, the monarch of the Satya Yuga, had the honour of granting it. The followers might have a profound spiritual awakening after going on the Kedarnath yatra. Every year, devotees visit Kedarnath Baba for darshan. For Hindus, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is one of the holiest places on earth.
The temple opens during the first week of May for the Akshaya Tritiya celebration and closes in the month of October or November after the Diwali festival. The Shri Kedarnath Dham idols are transported to Ukhimath during the winter and are worshipped there for six months.
Legend has it that after defeating the Kaurava in the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas felt terrible for killing their own brothers and prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness and peace of mind. And since then, Lord Shiva has resided at that place as the Kedarnath shrine.
Another myth claims that Nara and Narayana, two manifestations of Lord Vishnu, spent a lot of time at Badrikashraya and performed penance there in order to appease Lord Shiva. They requested that Shiva remain in Kedar as one of the Jyotirlingas when he came and bestowed a blessing. One of the main Hindu worship sites in the nation is formed by this Shiva temple and the adjoining Lord Vishnu shrine, the temple at Badrinath.
The 14 kilometer hike from Gaurikund to the temple is the only way to get there, as it is not immediately accessible by road. And if you want to go on the Kedarnath yatra without trekking, then pithu, palki, or a helicopter are the other options to reach the shrine. Additional historical sites in Kedarnath include Gandhi Sarovar, Gaurikund, Sonprayag, Triyuginarayan, Agastyamuni Temple, and Deoria Tal.
What is Kedarnath renowned for?
The rigorous ascent from Gaurikund over some of the most challenging yet beautiful terrain in the nation is the Kedarnath temple's biggest draw. The pilgrims who come here in their hundreds each year are supported by their faith and their faith alone. Every devout Hindu fantasises about visiting Kedar-Badri, as the two shrines are known. Pilgrims spend years planning their Kedarnath yatra. The god Kedarnath is revered as the giver of all blessings and good health. He is also revered as the god of tranquilly and joy in life.
The Kedarnath shrine
Over 200 Shiva shrines may be found in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand's Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts. The most revered and potent of them is thought to be Kedarnath Temple. The temple was constructed on a large plateau and is bordered by the stunningly majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. The vista is breathtaking. While visitors to the temple arrive full of faith, it is the dramatic scenery that draws more people to the Kedarnath yatra.
Large grey stone slabs make up the temple's physical framework, which makes one ponder the wonders of old Indian architecture. Hindu mythological tales are told in the interiors, which are decorated with pantheon icons and statues. A Garbha Griha, or altar chamber of worship, is located right in the centre of the temple. The god Kedarnath is represented in this chamber by a conical rock. The shrine is guarded by a magnificent bull, Lord Shiva's companion. The Lord is said to have come here in the shape of this bull. Devotees who like to sit and contemplate for a time should do so in the large hall, or mandap, located on the grounds of the temple.
Following is a list of tourist destinations that may be visited while on the Kedarnath Yatra.
So make an effort to book a Kedarnath yatra package and don't pass up the opportunity to see the well-known and revered locations in Uttarakhand. With our presence, we'll make sure to provide the Kedarnath Yatra’s most unforgettable moments as well as pleasurable daytime and nighttime experiences with divine and celestial graces.
- Shankaracharya Samadhi: Adi Guru Shankaracharya's Samadhi may be seen directly behind the Kedarnath shrine. At the tender age of 32, it is thought that he entered samadhi after founding the four holy Dhams.
- Chorabari Tal: Chorabari is a one-kilometer hike from Kedarnath.
- Gaurikund: This is a well-known location. The goddess Gauri is the subject of the temple.
- Ukhimath: Kedarnath Baba's winter residence the location of Kedarnath's Rawal. Rudraprayag and Ukhimath are connected by bus services.
- Kedarnath Dham's major draw is the shrine of Agastya muni.
- Trijuginarayan: Site of Lord Shiva and Parvati's nuptials. An eternal flame that saw the union may be seen in front of the Shiva Temple. From Sonprayag, this is a 12-kilometer drive away.
- Tungnath: According to legend, Tungnath is where Lord Shiva's arms first emerged.
