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Information about
Kedarnath
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Kedarnath is situated about 77 kms. from Rudraparayg. Kedarnath is situated amidst the background of snow covered mountain peaks of the majestic Kedarnath range, at an altitude of 3584 meters on the head of the Mandakini river. The Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Lord Shiva and one of the holiest pilgrimage shrine for the Hindus. The Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and visited by many pilgrims every year. The main idol in the temple is the linga of Lord Shiva, in pyramidal shape. In summers, the temperature is very cool during the day and cold at night and in winters, it is very cold during the day and chilly at night and below zero. During the winters, the shrine is submerged in the snow and closed. The ideal time to visit this place is between May and October. Hindi, Garhwali and English are the main languages which are spoken here. |
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History of Kedarnath
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The origin of the Kedarnath temple can be found in the great epic, Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas sought the blessings of the 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 form is worshipped as the idol in 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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Tourist Attractions in Kedarnath |
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The main tourist attraction in Kedarnath is the Kedarnath Temple. Besides this temple, the Shankaracharya Samadhi and Gandhi Sarovar are the other worth visiting places. |
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Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is believed to be about more than 1000 years old and more impressive than the Badrinath temple. The
temple was built in the 8th century AD by Adi Guru Shankaracharya and lies adjacent to the site of an ancient temple built by Pandavas. This temple is built of large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones and unpainted. The walls of the temple are embellished with the figures of deities and scenes from mythology. This temple comprises of a simple, squat, curved tower, a garbha griha with the pyramidal lingam and a
wooden roofed mandapa (hall) for seating of
pilgrims and visitors.
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A
large statue of the Nandi, the bull is
situated outside the temple door. From
Gaurikund, the pilgrims have to trek for 14
kms to reach the temple.
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Shankaracharya Samadhi
The Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi or the final resting place is situated behind the Kedarnath Temple. It is believed that after establishing the four dhams in India, he went for his Samadhi at an early age of 32 years.
Chorabari (Gandhi
Sarovar)
Gandhi Sarovar is a small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas is believed to have departed to heaven. The floating ice on the sparkling waters of the lake is a fascinating sight.
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Excursions |
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Vasuki Tal
Vasuki Tal is a picturesque lake, situated about 4135 meters above sea level, encircled by the lofty mountains and offers a commanding view of the Chaukumbha peaks.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund is the main trekking base to reach Kedarnath. From Gaurikund, the pilgrims have to either walk or ride a mule for 14 kms to reach the temple. The ascent is reasonably steep and over 1,500 m. A temple dedicated to Gauri amd thermal springs of medicinal value are worth visiting places.
Sonprayag
Sonprayag is the confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers. The road to Triyuginarayan diverts from here.
Triyuginarayan
Triyuginarayan is situated about 5 kms. trek from Sonprayag. It is the mythological venue of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. An eternal flame, which is said to have been a witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple, even today.
Ukhimath
Ukhimath is the winter home of the deity of the Kedarnath Temple and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath.
Chandrashila
The Chandrashila peak provides a rare view of the snow-clad peaks. The rhododendron forests and alpine meadows dominate the trek from Tungnath to Chandrashila.
Deoria Tal
The Deoria Tal, the beautiful lake is situated at an altitude of 2348 meters and gives the spectacular reflection of the snow-capped peaks in the lake water. It is an ideal spot for angling and bird watching. The Deoria Tal trek starts from the Sari Village on the Chopta-Ukhimath road for about 2 kms. |
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How to get
here |
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By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, about 251 kms. from Kedarnath.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located in Rishikesh, about 234 kms.
By Road:
Kedarnath is well approachable by foot or ponies from Gaurikund, which is situated about 14 kms. Gaurikund is connected by road to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon.
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