Kedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim sites is perched at an altitude of 3584 metres amidst towering snow-clad Himalayan peaks near the source of river Mandakini. It is the third pilgrim spot on the Char Dham Yatra circuit. Devotees cleanse their body and soul with sacred waters of Yamunotri and Gangotri and proceed for the pilgrimage to Kedarnath. Pilgrims also carry the sacred waters of Ganga from Gangotri to worship Lord Shiva at Kedarnath.
Every year the Temple’s Kapat ( Door ) of Kedarnath ji is open in the first week of May as decided by the Temple Priest on the occasion of Maha Shivraatri & closed on the time of Bhaiyadooj near Diwali Festival. Kedarnath Yatra can be done with Char Dham Yatra which takes 10 Days from Haridwar to Haridwar and only Kedarnath Yatra will be covered in 3 to 4 Days. Kedarnath Temple can be reached by covering a 20 km trek or by Helicopter which takes 10 – 15 minutes, The complete package of Char Dham Yatra from Delhi, Char Dham Yatra by Haridwar, and Kedarnath Yatra by Haridwar is provided by Monk Travel Haridwar, Best travel company to provide Char Dham yatra in the Himalayas with best service on affordable price. The Monk Travel is a genuine tour operator in Haridwar approved by Uttarakhand Tourism and has the trust of millions for luxury and comfort Yatra.
History of Kedarnath Temple :
The magnificent shrine of Lord Shiva was built by Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. and is one of the most important temples of India. According to mythological legends, the temple was originally built by the Pandavas, who were absolved from the sin of gotra-hatya (killing their own brethren) in the battle of Mahabharta, by Lord Shiva over here. The temple is made of extremely large and evenly cut grey stones and set on a rectangular platform with the towering snow-clad Kedardome peak in the backdrop. The first hall of the shrive has statues of the five Pandava brothers, Lord Krishna, Nandi and Virabhadra. The garbh griha or the inner sanctum enshrines one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Jyotirlinga resembles a hump of a bull and is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.
The walls of mandap or assembly hall are adorned with idols of the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupdi. There is also an image of Lord Ganesha. The outer pradakshina path of the shrine has a number of idols and small temples. In front of the temple door is a large statue of Nandi bull as a guard. The morning puja (ritual prayer) at the temple is known as ‘Nirvana Puja’ and the evening prayers are called
‘Sringar Darshan’: During the morning prayers the shivlinga is worshipped in its natural form and offering of ghee (clarified butter) and water are made. While in the evenings the deity is bedecked with flowers and ornaments and a golden umbrella is suspended from above. The temple closes for the winters on the first day of Kartik (Oct. – Nov.) and re-opens in Vaisakh (Apr.-May). The opening date of the shrine is fixed on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri by the priests of Ukhimath temple, the winter home of Lord Kedarnath.
Shankaracharya Samadhi :
The Samadhi temple of Shankracharya lies just behind the Kedarnath temple. Adi Shankracharya, the great Indian philosopher and seer consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta and travelled across India and parts of South Asia. He founded the four mathas (monasteries) in four corners of India to revive Hinduism and went into samadhi over here at an early age of 32 years.
Bhaironath Temple:
The temple I dedicated to Bhaironathji, the guardian deity of Kedarnath is located a little away from Kedarnath. Bhaironathji is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening and closing of Kedarnath temple, as it is believed that the deity protects this land from evil, when the Kedarnath temple is closed.
Kunds:
Kedarnath is dotted with a number sacred Kunds (ponds) of immense religious importance. The most important are – Shivkund, Retkund, Hanskund, Udakkund, Rudhirkund etc.
Gandhi Sarovar - Chorebari Lake:
This small glacial lake lies about 2 kms. from Kedarnath temple between the rock face and right lateral moraine of the Chorebari glacier. It is said that Yudhistar, the eldest Pandava brother, ascended to heaven from here. The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immerse in the waters of the lake and it came to be known as Gandhi Sarovar. The sight of floating-ice on the crystal clear waters is truly enchanting.River Mandakini emerges from the snout of the 6 kms. long Chorbari glacier, about 3 kms. from Kedarnath temple. It merges with Alaknanda river at Rudraprayag.
Vasuki Tal (6 kms) :
The charming lake is nestled at a height of 4, 135 metres amidst snow covered lofty peaks. It affords an awe inspiring view of the Chaukhamba peaks.
Around Kedarnath
Gaurikund (14 kms.):
It is the last motor head on the Kedarnath route and one has to trek from here to visit the Kedarnath shrine. According to mythological legends, Goddess Parvati (Gauri) is said to have meditated here to win a consort in Lord Shiva. When the Lord agreed the celestial couple were married at Triyuginarayan. An ancient temple dedicated to Gauri (Parvati), enshrines metallic idols of Gauri and Mahadev (Shiva). Nearby is a hot water spring with curative powers.
Son Prayag (19 kms.):
The sacred site lies on the confluence of river Sone Ganga and Mandakani, on the main Kedarnath route, about 5 kms. from Gaurikund.The lofty mountains in the backdrop adds to it beauty and grandeur. The devotees believe that by mere touch of the holy water of Son Prayag, one attains the ” Baikunth Dham” The road to Tiruginarayan bifurcates from here.
Triyuginarayan (25 kms.):
It is about 14 kms. (including 5 kms. trek) from Son Prayag. According to mythological legends it was the venue of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s marriage. It is believed that the eternal flame around which the marriage was solemnised, still burns in front of the temple.
Guptkashi (49 kms.):
This important pilgrim site set at an altitude of 1479 metres is known for the ancient temples of Vishwanath and Ardhnareshwar. The Manikarnik Kund here is said to be the confluence of two streams of Ganga and Yamuna. It is believed that the place is named Gupt or hidden, as Lord Shiva went into hiding over here for some time to evade the Pandavas, who were seeking forgiveness for killing their own brethren in the epic battle of Mahabharta. From Guptkashi one can visit Kalimath and Madmaheshwar.
Agatsyamuni (73 kms.):
The beautiful site 19 kms. from Rudraprayag is associated with legendary sage Agatsyamuni, who is said to have meditated here. There is a temple dedicated to him. Tourists enjoy fishing and relax at the banks ofriver Mandakini here.
Ukhimath (60 kms.):
It lies on the route to Kedarnath, about 40 kms. from Rudraprayag and 13 kms. from Guptkashi. Ukhimath is the winter residence of Lord Kedarnath, as well as the seat of the Rawal (head priest) of the Kedarnath temple. The temples of Usha and Annirudh (son of Lord Krishna), Shiva and Parvati are the important attractions of the scenic town.
Kalimath:
The temple of Goddess Kali here is regarded as one of Siddha Peeths and attracts a large number of devotees especially during the holy Navratris. It enshrines a beautifully sculpted idol of the presiding deity, which is regarded as the best statue of Har Gauri in India. The statues of four handed Shankar with Ganesh and Kartikeya placed at the feet of Gauri. The temple is surrounded by several small shrines dedicated to various deities like Mahalxmi, Mahasaraswati, Mahadev and Bhairav. Kalimath lies 23 kms. by bus and 10 kms. on foot from Ukhimath.
How to Reach:
Airport: The nearest airport from Kedarnath is at Jolly Grant, near Dehradun, about 251 kms. away.
Railhead: The nearest railheads are at Rishikesh (234 kms.) and Kotdwar (260 kms.).
Road: Gaurikund the last motor head for Kedarnath is 223 kms. from Rishikesh. Kedarnath is 14 kms. trek from Gaurikund.
Kedarnath by Trek :
First you have to reach Guptkashi, Phata and sersi and next day reach sonprayag and take local transport to reach Gaurikund by Taxi or Bolero car , Main Trek of Kedarnath ji is start from Gurikund which is 20 kms and takes 8- 9 Hrs to reach.
Kedarnath by Helicopter :
There are 03 places from where Helicopter or charter will fly for Kedarnath that is Guptkashi Helipad, Phata Helipad and Sersi Helipad, From Guptkashi take more fly time as compare to Phata and Sersi. Make sure you have valid Heliticket by IRCTC Only , otherwise you will not able to fly for kedarntah.
Stay & Food facility at Kedarnath :
There is very basic accommodation & simple food will be available at Kedarnath Temple.
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