Kedarnath India

Kedarnath - the abode of Lord Shiva

Kedarnath, one of the four dhams (sites), is located at an altitude of 3584 metres above sea level. The shrine of Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, who is considered the embodiment of all passions love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism. Kedarnath is the place where a form of the Lord Shiva is venerated as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga (linga of light). The picturesque town situated near the head of river Mandakini, is encircled by breathtaking snow-capped Kedarnath mountain peaks. Kedarnath Shrine is accessible only by a 14 Km trek from Gaurikund. The horses of palanquins are available on rent to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund.

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath Temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. The temple built of very large, heavy and evenly cut gray slab of stones, is an architectural masterpiece. The temple complex has ‘Garbha Griha’ (for worship) and a Mandap (for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors). Inside the temple a conical rock formation is worshiped as Lors Shiva, in his Sadashiva form. The interior of the assembly hall are decorated, with images of deities and scenes from mythology. A large statue of the Nandi Bull, stands outside the temple door. Legend goes, the Pandavas after their success over the Kauravas in the Kurukhestra war, felt guilty of killing their own brothers and sought the blessing of Lord Shiva for redemption. Lord Shiva wishes to elude them, and took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, found him among the cattle herd. On being followed, Shiva dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface, it is the main site of Panch Kedar temple. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four different places, which are worshiped as his manifestations. Other four Kedars are Tunganath, Kalpeshwar, Rudranath and Madhyamaheswar.

What attract Pilgrims

Kedarnath is major pilgrimage centre of Hindus, besides Kedarnath is also believed to be the site of Shankaracharya's samadhi (final resting place). Major attractions are :

Shankaracharya Samadhi : The Samadhi of Adi Guru Sankracharya lies behind the Kedarnath Temple. According to legend, after establishing the four dhams in India, Sankracharaya went for his samadhi at the age of 32 years.

Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar) : The lake situated 2 Kms away from Kedarnath, is believed to be the site from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandava, departed to heaven. The lake full of floating ice offers a picturesque sight.

Vasuki Tal : The picturesque lake located at a distance of 6 Kms from Kedarnath, provide the breathtaking view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

Gaurikund : Gaurikuna the trekking base to Kedarnath (14 Kms), has a temple dedicated to Gauri. The place has hot and cold water springs, having medicinal value.

Sonprayag : Sonprayag is located at a distance of 20 Kms from Kedarnath, on the confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers.

Triyuginarayan : Situated at a distance 25 Kms from Kedarnath, it is the mythological venue of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Guptkashi : Guptakshi, 49 Kms from Kedarnath is famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath.

How to Reach Kedarnath

Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun(251 Kms).

Rail : Nearest railheads are Rishikesh (234 Kms) and Kotdwar (260 Kms).

Road : Reachable only on foot from Gaurikund (14 Kms), which is connected to Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun and Haridwar.

Accommodation

The accommodation facilities are available at Private Hotels, Dharamshalas, Temple Committee Guest House and Tourist Rest House.