Kedarnath is one of the most holiest Hindu pilgrimages, present in the Garhwal Himalayan Range surrounded by snow-clad mountains with the Mandakini River flowing in front of it, thousands of devotees visit here every year.
The Kedarnath is one of the most significant temple and is the holiest Hindu pilgrimages in India. A part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is one of the most important among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Present on the Garhwal Himalayan Range in the Rudraprayag District, The Temple can only be reached from Gaurikund through a trek and remains open only for six months from April to November, due to heavy snowfall in the region during the rest of the months.
In the winters from November to May, the deity is moved from Kedarnath Temple to Ukhitmath and is worshipped there. The word Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, who is the protector, and the destroyer, and according to hindu mythology it's believed that the journey to Kedarnath provides one "Moksha" or salvation. Located in the snow-clad mountains near Chorabari Glacier with the Mandakini River flowing in front of it, Kedarnath welcomes lakhs of devotees every year due to its religious significance.
The present Kedarnath Temple is re-constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, initially built by the Pandavas thousand years ago from enormous stone slabs over a large rectangular dais. In 2013 the disastrous flash floods in the Kedarnath Valley, caused great damage here but the temple itself did not suffer any major damage.
Present just behind the Kedarnath Temple is the sacred resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, the eminent saint who is credited with establishing the four sacred dhams in India, integral to Hindu pilgrimage. The Shankaracharya Samadhi in Kedarnath, drawing pilgrims in the thousands, stands as a significant tourist attraction.
It is believed that Shankaracharya, not only constructed the Kedarnath shrine but also founded one of his four mathas here. This site holds spiritual importance, resonating with the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Pilgrims flock to the region to pay homage to this enlightened sage whose contributions shaped the spiritual landscape of Hinduism. The Shankaracharya Samadhi, enveloped in the divine aura of Kedarnath, continues to be a revered destination for seekers and devotees alike.
Located just 500 m from the Kedarnath Temple on the southern side is the Bhairavnath Temple which is devoted to Hindu God - Lord Bhairav. The Bhairavnath Temple is present on top of a hillock and offers magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayas and the entire Kedarnath valley.
Sonprayag, present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, has religious significance as it marks the sacred confluence of two mighty rivers, Basuki and Mandakini. Located amidst the picturesque Himalayan landscape, this place serves as a pivotal point for pilgrims embarking on the sacred Char Dham Yatra, which includes the revered shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the confluence of Basuki and Mandakini rivers at Sonprayag cleanses the soul of sins, purifying the devotee before their onward journey to the sacred shrines.
The Rudra Cave is an underground meditation cave present just 1 km from Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. The cave has became a popular after Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditated here before the 2019 general election. This meditation cave has a single bed with bedding, attached washroom with geyser and running water, heater, a SIP phone connected with the GMVN manager and a calling bell for an attendant. Kedarnath Temple and Bhairavnath Temple are clearly visible from the cave.
Located in the breathtaking Himalayan landscape near Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal is a pristine lake which captivates pilgrims and trekkers alike with its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings. present at a height of 4,135 meters (13,566 feet), this high-altitude lake is a trekker's delight and an enchanting addition to the sacred pilgrimage journey to Kedarnath.
Triyuginarayan Temple which is a popular place of Hindu worship that is present in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. Located at a height of 1,980 metres above the sea level, Triyuginarayan Temple, the temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The rich mythological association is what makes the temple so famous and well known all across the country. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati married at this particular place, and this holy union was witnessed by Lord Vishnu.
Agastyamuni, is just 67 km from Kedarnath, is a town on the banks of the River Mandakini. Present at a hieght of 1000 m, the town is famous for the Agastyamuni Temple, dedicated to Maharshi Priya Ranjan, where it is believed that the sage Agastya meditated for nearly a year. Agastyamuni is a significant base for Pawan Hans helicopter services to Kedarnath Temple. The town hosts a large fair during the Baisakhi festival, attracting devotees who come to worship and pay homage to the deity.
Present just 3 kms from the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, Chorabari Lake is a quaint lake which also called as Gandhi Tal. The crystal clear gorgeous lake draws a lot of tourists from far and wide besides the regular devotees. Chorabari Tal originates from the Chorabari Bamak Glacier and can be reached through a short trek from the Kedarnath Temple. As per historical records, in 1948, the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were also immersed in the lake. Chorabari Tal is one of the most popular picnic spots in the region and is also blessed with enormous scenic panoramic views of the landscape.
Tungnath, a village in Uttarakhand, which is the starting point of the popular Chopta Chadrashila Trek. Located at a height of 2680m, this village is surrounded by evergreen forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron. The trek covers a large region, starting from Haridwar and ending at Chandrashila.
The temple town of Guptakashi is situated at a distance of 47 kms from the holy town of Kedarnath. Present at an elevation of 1319 m above the sea level, Guptakashi enjoys the mesmerising backdrop of the enchanting snow-covered peaks of Chaukhamba mountains.
Guptakashi has two ancient temples namely Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ardhnareshwar Temple. The fantastic weather, lush green forests and captivating views of Chaukhmaba Range along with its rich past and heritage, the town is a wholesome package for vacation makers.
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during summers. In winters the temperature goes down to 0 Celcius. However, if you are planning to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath, then winters are not an ideal time to come. The temple closes its gates on the Yam Duj, which is the second day after Diwali and opens the gates again on Akshay Tritya, that is in May starting.
The Kedarnath Temple exploration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers who wish to immerse themselves into the spirituality of Lord Shiva. This holy temple is a marvelous place which promises a memorable journey experience for every traveler. So, plan with your friends or family and brace up for a trip to the Kedarnath.
