Shri Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in the Char Dham Yatra of Hindus, The Kedarnath Temple is a 1000-year-old Temple of Lord Shiva at an altitude of 3584 meters and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which is considered sacred in Hinduism. The Kedarnath yatra is open only for six months every year, On the occasion of Maha Shivratri in March, the Priest will decide the Kapat ( Door ) opening date for Shri Kedarnath Temple, and the Kapt closes every year at the time of Bhaiya Dooj after Diwali, Due to Heavy snowfall in Kedarnath, Priest perform Pooja in the winter seat of Kedarnath ji at OmKareshwar Temple in Ukhimath for rest six month and It is just 45kms from Guptkashi toward Badrinath via Chopta.

History of Kedarnath Temple

As per the mythology, The temple was originally built by the Pandavas, Who were absolved from the sin of gotra – hatya( Killing their own brother) 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.

Inside the Temple, The Garbh Griha , One of the twelve sacred jyotrilngas of Lord Shiva in the shape of a hump of a bull and it 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 Puia’ 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.

Importance of Shri Kedarnath Temple

The 1000 years old temple with a carved exterior is located in a courtyard protected by Nandi bull. This spot has great significance in the legendary Mahabharata epic. Inside the main sanctum is one of the 12 naturally formed ‘Jyotirlingas’ of India. The temple has carved shapes of the Pandavas, and Lord Shiva.

Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi: Adi Guru Shankracharya, He is great priest of Hindu , Being one of the incredible scholars and thinkers of the age, 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.

Shri Bhairavnath Temple : The Temple Dedicated to Kaal Bhairav or Bhaironath ji, He is considered to be a great gana of Lord Shiva, The Guardian deity of Kedarnath is located a little away from Kedarnath Temple 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.

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.

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.)

Shri Triyuginarayan is known as most sacred place, As per Mythology , It is the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati’s marriage. It is belived that the eternal flame around which the marriage was solemnised, still burns in front of the temple.

Guptkashi (49 kms.)

Guptakashi (“hidden Kashi”) – a temple city with beautiful views of the snowy peaks, located in the Garhwal Himalayas, is one of the most important and beautiful centers of pilgrimage. It is believed that the Pandavas after the Battle of Kuruksetra, described in the Mahabharata, wanted to atone for Shiva for fratricide. He wanted to avoid meeting them at Kashi and went to Guptakashi in the form of a bull, Nandi. Bhima exposed the deity, and the brothers tried to grab the bull by the tail and paws, but he disappeared into the cave to return to five different forms of Shiva. This disappearance gave the name of the city.

Altitude of Kedarnath Temple: 3,583 meters (11,755 ft)
Best Time to Visit : From May-June & September -November
Temple Darshan Timing: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM / 3PM-5 PM – Closed for Darshan
Places to visit: Bhairav Nath Temple, Adi Shankaracharya temple, Vasuki Tal(8 km trek), Trijugi Narayan, Vishwanath Temple.
How to reach: Rishikesh – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi- Gaurikund – Kedarnath Temple.
Where to Stay : Gaurikund, Sitapur, Sersi, Phata, Guptkashi.
Trek / Walking : 18 kms Trek from Gauraikund to Kedarnath Temple.
Helicopter Service: Yes, available only for online booking.