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| || The Past || Yatra || Don't Miss || Festivals || When to Go || Getting There || |
One of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" (shrines) of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath, at the head of the Mandakini River, is one of the four holy pilgrimages constituting the Char Dham (Four Holy Shrines) together with Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. Situated at an altitude of 3,581 mts. in the Uttarkashi region near the Indo-Chinese border, against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Kedarnath range, the temple of Sri Kedarnath is visited by hundreds of devotees every year in search of enlightenment. Of the 200 shrines in the district, Kedarnath is considered the most important. |
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The
temple of Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic
- Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas sought the
blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins after the battle
of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while
fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being
followed he dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump on
the surface. This conical protrusion is worshipped as the idol
on the shrine. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped
at four places - the arms (bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukha)
at Rudranath, naval (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and hair (jata)
at Kalpeshwar. Together with Kedarnath, these places are known
as the Panch Kedar. |
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The trek to Kedarnath commences at Gaurikund. From here to
Rambara, the trek goes along the River Mandakini through the
forests. While this walk is a little steep, from Rambara onward
the trek is much easier. |
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The present Temple of Kedarnath,
built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Guru Shankaracharya lies next to
the site of an ancient temple built by the Pandavas. Believed to
be more than 1000 years old, the walls of the exquisitely architectured
temple are embellished with figures of deities and scenes from mythology.
The temple has a conical lingam which is the main idol, a statue
of Nandi, the celestial bull, a 'garbha grah' for worship and a
'mandap' for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors.
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The
Shankaracharya Samadhi (the final resting place
of Adi Guru Shankaracharya) lies behind the Kedarnath Temple
and is believed to be the place where he sought union with God
at an early age of 32. Vasuki Tal is a picturesque lake, 4,135 mts. above sea level encircled by lofty mountains and giving a panoramic view of the Chaukhamba peaks. |
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The
Bhairav Nath Temple is located to the south
of the Kedarnath Temple. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav
Nath, the principal deity who guards the Temple in winter when
it's closed due to severe cold weather. |
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Held
in the month of June, nothing else could be a better expression
of Hindu religion and culture. The Badri Kedar Festival
is held in the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath in
the month of June. The revelry goes on for a stretch of eight
days. This festival is an attempt to bring under one platform,
the greatest artists of the country who perform in praise of
the almighty. |
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During
the winters, the shrine remains under snow and hence is closed.
The ideal time to visit is between May to October. |
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Jolly Grant, Dehradun (251 kms.) is the nearest airport. |
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Rishikesh (234 kms.) is the closest railhead followed by Kotdwar (260 kms.) | |
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Approachable
on foot from Gaurikund, which is connected by road to Rishikesh,
Kotwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations
of Garhwal and Kumaon region. |
