Kedarnath

Nestled amidst the magnificent Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the most sacred and revered places for Hindus in India. It is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level. The town is home to the famous Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The journey to Kedarnath is an experience in itself. The scenic beauty of the Himalayas is breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and glistening rivers. The town can only be reached by foot or on horseback, as there are no roads that lead to the temple. The 14-kilometer trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is arduous, but the stunning views along the way make it all worthwhile. Kedarnath is one of the dham of the chardham yatra. Kedarnath yatra can be called a Journey to the Divine Abode.

 

The Kedarnath Temple is a marvel of ancient architecture and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. The temple is made of massive stones and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main shrine inside the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India.

The temple is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with the Mandakini River flowing nearby and the snow-capped mountains looming in the background. The air is crisp and clean, and the silence is only broken by the sound of the river and the occasional chant of the devotees.

The town of Kedarnath has a rich history and mythology associated with it. It is believed that the Pandavas came to Kedarnath to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, and it was here that they were absolved of their sins. The town is also mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Puranas, and is considered to be one of the holiest places in India.

Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, the town also has several other places of interest for tourists. The Vasuki Tal Lake, which is located at an altitude of 4,150 meters, is a popular trekking destination. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The Gandhi Sarovar, which is located at an altitude of 4,000 meters, is another popular tourist spot. The lake is named after Mahatma Gandhi and is believed to have medicinal properties.

Kedarnath is also known for its wildlife and is home to several species of animals, including Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and musk deer.

In conclusion, Kedarnath is a place of great spiritual significance and natural beauty. The journey to Kedarnath is an experience that should not be missed, and the town and its surroundings offer a plethora of activities for tourists. Whether one is a devotee seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva or a nature lover looking for an adventure, Kedarnath has something to offer for everyone.

History

 

According to Hindu mythology, the Kedarnath Temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. The legend goes that the Pandavas came to Kedarnath to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, and it was here that they were absolved of their sins.

The temple is also mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Puranas, and is considered to be one of the holiest places in India.

The Kedarnath Temple has a rich and fascinating history. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The temple was first destroyed by the Muslim invader Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi in the 11th century. The temple was then rebuilt by the King of Garhwal in the 12th century. The temple was destroyed again in the 14th century by a massive landslide, and it was only in the 16th century that the temple was rebuilt once again.

 

The temple was destroyed yet again in 2013 by a massive flood that devastated the region. The flood was caused by a cloudburst, and it resulted in the death of thousands of people and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. The Kedarnath Temple was also badly damaged in the flood, and it took several years of reconstruction work to restore the temple to its former glory.

Today, the Kedarnath Temple stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of the region. The temple is a symbol of the enduring faith of the devotees who come here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The town of Kedarnath has been rebuilt and restored, and it is once again a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.

 

In conclusion, the history of Kedarnath is a fascinating and inspiring tale of faith, resilience, and determination. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, the Kedarnath Temple continues to stand as a symbol of the enduring faith of the devotees who come here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The town of Kedarnath and its surrounding areas offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of India, and it is a place that is truly worth visiting.

Best time to visit Kedarnath

The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months, from May to June, and then from September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the temperature is moderate, making it easier to travel and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The monsoon season, from July to August, is not recommended for visiting Kedarnath as heavy rainfall can make the roads difficult to navigate and there is a risk of landslides. Additionally, during the winter months, from December to April, Kedarnath experiences heavy snowfall, making it inaccessible for tourists and the temple remains closed. 

 

 

Kedarnath is a town of great spiritual and cultural significance in India. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is home to the famous Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the most revered places of worship for Hindus. But beyond the temple, there are many other places to see and things to do in Kedarnath.

 

 

Kedarnath Temple: The Kedarnath Temple is the main attraction of the town, and it is a must-visit for anyone coming to Kedarnath. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. The temple is a beautiful example of traditional Hindu temple architecture, and the surrounding mountains make for a stunning backdrop.

 

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr. The sanctuary is also home to several trekking routes, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is a beautiful high-altitude lake located about 8 km from Kedarnath. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the clear blue waters make for a stunning sight. The trek to Vasuki Tal is a challenging one, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

Shankaracharya Samadhi: The Shankaracharya Samadhi is a shrine dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher and saint. The shrine is located near the Kedarnath Temple, and it is believed to be the final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya.

Bhairav Nath Temple: The Bhairav Nath Temple is located about 1 km from the Kedarnath Temple, and it is dedicated to Bhairav Nath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its unique architecture and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Gaurikund: Gaurikund is a small town located about 18 km from Kedarnath. The town is named after Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva, and it is believed to be the place where Gauri performed penance to win the heart of Lord Shiva. The town is also the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath.

Triyuginarayan Temple: The Triyuginarayan Temple is located about 12 km from Kedarnath, and it is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. The temple is a beautiful example of traditional Hindu temple architecture, and it is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Sonprayag: Sonprayag is a small town located about 20 km from Kedarnath. The town is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Mandakini and the Basuki. The town is known for its natural beauty, and it is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.

Gandhi Sarovar: Gandhi Sarovar is a high-altitude lake located about 3 km from Kedarnath. The lake is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the area in 1947. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and it is a popular spot for trekking and camping.