Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual significance for devotees.
Historical and Mythological Significance
The temple is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for their sins in the Kurukshetra war. According to legend, Shiva, unwilling to forgive them easily, took the form of a bull and tried to evade them. When the Pandavas recognized him, he dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump, which is worshipped in Kedarnath. Other parts of his body appeared in different locations, collectively known as the Panch Kedar.
The current structure of the temple is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have restored and rebuilt it in the 8th century. His samadhi (final resting place) is also located near the temple.
Architectural Marvel
Kedarnath Temple is built from massive stone slabs, with its walls adorned with intricate carvings of deities and mythological scenes. Despite facing extreme weather conditions, the temple has stood the test of time. The inner sanctum houses the revered Shiva Lingam, where devotees offer prayers and seek blessings.
The Kedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath is a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which also includes Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The pilgrimage season typically starts in May and continues until October, after which the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall. During the winter months, the idol of Lord Shiva is shifed to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Reaching Kedarnath involves a trek of approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, though helicopter services are also available. Pilgrims undertake this arduous journey with deep faith, chanting “Har Har Mahadev” along the way.
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How to Reach Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is accessible through a combination of road, rail, air, and trekking routes. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reach this sacred shrine:
1. By Air
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 239 km from Gaurikund, the base point for the Kedarnath trek.
- From the airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund.
- Helicopter Services: For a quicker option, helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, Sersi, and Sitapur to Kedarnath.
- Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons.
2. By Train
The closest railway stations to temple are:
- Rishikesh Railway Station – 221 km from Gaurikund
- Haridwar Railway Station – 238 km from Gaurikund
- Dehradun Railway Station – 251 km from Gaurikund
From these stations, you can hire taxis or take buses to reach Gaurikund.
3. By Road
The Temple is well-connected by roads up to Gaurikund, from where the trek to the temple begins.
- From Delhi: You can drive or take buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or directly towards Gaurikund via NH 07 & NH 107.
- Bus Services: Regular buses operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) run from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund.
The Trek to Kedarnath
- Starting Point: Gaurikund is the last motorable point. From here, a 16 km trek leads to Temple.
- Trekking Route: The path is well-paved but steep, passing through scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and dense forests. Key stops include Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, and Linchauli.
- Options for non-trekkers:
- Palanquins (Palki) and Pony services are available for those unable to trek.
- Helicopter rides can also take you directly to Temple from nearby helipads like Phata and Sersi.
Important Tips for the Journey
- Physical Fitness: The trek can be challenging, so prepare yourself physically before embarking on the journey.
- Altitude Precautions: Kedarnath is at a high altitude, so acclimatize properly and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
- Carry Essentials: Warm clothing, rain gear, trekking shoes, first aid, and necessary ID proofs are essential.
- Registration: Pilgrims need to register online or at checkpoints for the Yatra, which ensures safety and tracking during the trek. Click For Registration
Visiting Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage but also an adventure amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. Whether you trek through the winding mountain paths or take a helicopter ride, the journey to Kedarnath is as spiritually enriching as the destination itself.
Places to Visit Near The Temple
While Kedarnath Temple is the main attraction, the surrounding region is rich with natural beauty, spiritual sites, and scenic landscapes. Here are some must-visit places near Temple that will make your journey even more memorable:
- Bhairavnath Temple
Distance: 1 km from Temple
Dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the temple is believed to be the guardian deity of Kedarnath. It offers panoramic views of the Kedarnath valley and snow-capped peaks. A short but steep trek from Kedarnath leads to this sacred site. - Rudra Cave
Distance: Close to Temple
Made famous by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meditation here, this cave offers a serene environment for those seeking solitude and spiritual introspection. The cave is well-maintained with basic amenities and provides a unique, peaceful experience. - Vasuki Tal
Distance: 8 km trek from Kedarnath
A serene, glacial lake surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. The trek to Vasuki Tal is challenging but rewards you with breathtaking views of Chaukhamba peaks reflecting in the crystal-clear waters. It’s a haven for nature lovers and trekkers. - Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)
Distance: 3 km from Temple
A small lake where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed, giving it its name. The trek to the lake passes through lush meadows and stunning landscapes, offering tranquility and peace amidst nature. - Gaurikund
Distance: 16 km (Base point of the trek)
According to mythology, Gaurikund is where Goddess Parvati meditated to win Lord Shiva’s heart. It is also known for its natural hot water springs, where pilgrims take a dip before starting their trek to Kedarnath. - Guptkashi
Distance: 47 km from Kedarnath
Famous for the Vishwanath Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Ardhnarishwar Temple, Guptkashi is rich in mythological significance. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva concealed himself from the Pandavas. - Triyuginarayan Temple
Distance: 25 km from Kedarnath
This temple is famous as the mythological wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The eternal flame burning in front of the temple is said to have witnessed their divine marriage. It’s a beautiful place with historical and spiritual importance.
Kedarnath Temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of devotion, endurance, and divine grace. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and the Mandakini River, it offers a spiritually uplifting experience that draws thousands of devotees each year. A visit to Kedarnath is both a religious journey and a test of one’s determination, making it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.
FAQ’s
What is special about the Kedarnath Temple?
The Kedarnath Temple is significant as the first of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sites and a key site in the Chota Char Dham Yatra in India. It is also among the highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva where he is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam, meaning “cosmic light”. According to the Vayu Purana, Lord Vishnu, in his form as Narayan, requested Lord Shiva to move from Badrinath to Kedarnath.
Who discovered the Kedarnath Temple?
Legend states that the Pandavas constructed the Kedarnath Temple, while the current temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya approximately 1200 years ago. Adi Shankaracharya sanctified the shrine in the 8th century A.D., reinstating it to its original glory.
When is the Kedarnath Temple open for pilgrimage?
The Kedarnath Temple is usually accessible to pilgrims from April to November. Due to snow and adverse weather conditions during the winter, the idol is moved to Ukhimath for worship.
Where is Kedarnath Temple located?
The temple is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and stunning natural beauty.
How can I reach Kedarnath Temple?
You can reach Kedarnath by first traveling to Gaurikund, the last motorable point. From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek leads to the temple. Helicopter services, pony rides, and palanquins are also available for those who prefer not to trek.
