Kedarnath Temple - The Abode of Lord Shiva

by Dherya Tyagi Travelling to World

Kedarnath is a holy town located in Rudraprayag district in the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India. Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu Religious temples being a part of Chardham Pilgrimage Destination from all over the world. It is situated at an elevation of about 3584m above sea level near Chorabari Glacier on the seashore of the Mandakini River.

The Historical name of the Region is "Lord of Kedar Khand".There is an interesting Story behind the Kedarnath town and its temple. Kedarnath got its name from King Keda who was ruled in Satya Yuga. King Keda had one daughter whose name was Vrinda. Vrinda was a partial incarnation of goddess Laxmi. She performed austerities for 60000 years. Hence in honor of Vrinda, the land gave it's named Vrindavan. However, the temple as well Kedarnath exists from Mahabharata Era when Lord Shiva did penance here. The Peak time to visit the temple falls in between the month of April to May.

Adi Shankaracharya Built the Present temple of Kedarnath in the 18th Century whereas the earlier temple was built by Pandavas. The head Priest of the Kedarnath temple belongs to the Veerashaiva community from Karnataka. The Architecture Style of the Kedarnath temple is an ancient and Traditional Style of Architecture. Millions of Devotees gather from India as well Abroad to Sightseeing the Gateway of the Himalayas in Kedarnath.

History of Kedarnath

According to Hindu Significance, It is believed that during the time of the Kauravas and Pandavas war. Kauravas defeated the war by killing all kith and kin of the Pandavas. In order to remove all sins, they wanted to undertake a pilgrimage. Pandavas's Brother went to Lord Shiva for blessing but Lord Shiva didn’t want to see him.

Lord Shiva hid in the gateway of Garhwal Himalayas from Pandavas. Unfortunately when Lord Shiva was running away from the Himalayas to the area of Kedarnath Valley. Pandavas saw her then suddenly Lord Shiva Changed his look in the form of Bull Try to dive into the marshland but Pandavas Captured him while Shiva tried to go underground. The hump of Lord Shiva leaving behind on the surface. Eventually, Lord Shiva reappeared into the ground Later appeared in different parts. The hump appeared in Kedarnath. Hence the temple named is Kedarnath.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple

At the time of the Winter Season, the Kedarnath temple is closed for six months (November to April) due to heavy Snowfall. During this time period, Lord Kedarnath is shifted to a nearby place Guptkashi called Ukhimath for venerating or worshipping. According to the Hindu calendar, the temple is open on Akshaya Tritiya which falls from the month of April to May.

How to Reach

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport located 239 km from Kedarnath. It is a domestic airport located about 20 km away from the city center of Dehradun.

By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest Railhead located about 189 km away from Kedarnath.

By Bus: Kedarnath can be reached on foot from Gaurikund. Gaurikund is connected by state buses to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar, Haridwar, and other hill stations of Kumaon and Garhwal hills.