Kedarnath is a city located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is mainly known for Kedarnath Temple. Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath Temple is located in the Garhwal range of the Himalayas near the Mandakini River at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level.
The name "Kedarnath" means "Lord of Kedar". Kedar is derived from the Sanskrit words kedar ("field") and nath ("lord"). The city is built on a barren land on the banks of the Mandakini River, and is a famous pilgrimage center and a center of attraction among tourists for trekking due to its scenic views.
Significance of Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is known for its religious importance, especially as a major pilgrimage site for Hindus with Kedarnath being the main Jyotirlinga. Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, four important pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas, and holds great significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality.
Kedarnath temple and Kedarnath city itself hold a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. A visit to Kedarnath Temple is considered a life-changing experience for many people. It is a symbol of faith, spirituality and natural beauty. It has an important place in Hinduism and the spiritual journeys of millions of people. Kedarnath is not just a geographical place but it is a sacred area where devotees experience spiritual peace and immerse themselves in the devotion of Lord Shiva.
History and Mythological Significance
The fame of Kedarnath is centuries old. The story of Kedarnath is linked to Hindu mythology. Here, Lord Shiva granted a boon to the Pandava brothers, who were seeking forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war. The antiquity and mythological connections of the temple make it a place of worship and respect.
Char Dham Yatra
Kedarnath is one of the destinations of Char Dham Yatra. The yatra is a sacred pilgrimage circuit that includes four important religious sites in the Himalayan region. The other three sites are Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Pilgrims visit Kedarnath temple to attain spiritual purification, seek blessings and find inner peace.
Natural Beauty
Beyond its religious significance, Kedarnath city is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of about 3,583 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. This experience, which attracts you with the lush green valleys, Mandakini River and the sound of mantras, is unique in itself. Kedarnath can often be visited by trek or by helicopter.
Life Changing Experience
For those who undertake the pilgrimage to Kedarnath, it is an important experience of life. The ancient surroundings and beautiful ambiance of Kedarnath temple leaves an everlasting impression on the devotees. It is often said to be a place of meditation and enlightenment.
Kedarnath Temple, a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is associated with Hindu mythology, especially the Mahabharata. One of the most popular mythological stories associated with Kedarnath is related to the Pandavas.
Story - Kedarnath Temple
After the great war of Mahabharata in Kurukshetra, the Pandava brothers wanted to seek forgiveness from God for their sins committed during the war. They wanted to free themselves from the guilt of causing massive destruction and loss of life.
Yudhishthira, the eldest brother among the Pandavas, took all his brothers on a pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. His intention was to do penance and seek forgiveness for his sins. Lord Shiva was angry and did not want to meet the Pandavas. Lord Shiva was roaming from place to place to avoid the eyes of Pandavas.
The Pandavas encountered a bull during their journey to the Himalayas. This was Lord Shiva in the guise of a bull. The bull was very big but the Pandavas wanted to catch it at any cost. Bhima, the second brother of the Pandavas, attempted to catch the bull, but it eluded his grip. At last Bhima succeeded in catching the bull by its tail. At the same time the body of the bull broke into pieces and Lord Shiva appeared there. The Lord was pleased with the devotion of the Pandavas.
There is a belief about Kedarnath that the hump of a bull had fallen here. Lord Shiva blessed those places where the body parts of the bull fell, considering them as his abode. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull fell. It is said that the unique shape of the temple, which resembles the hump of a bull, is a symbol of the same event.
Lord Shiva freed the Pandavas from all sins and hence every devotee who walks here seeks forgiveness from Lord Shiva for all the sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.
Timings - Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath temple generally follows a timetable. Timings may sometimes vary due to weather conditions, so you should know the temple timetable before planning your trip.
The temple generally opens at 4:00 am. The first aarti and puja of the day takes place in the morning. During this period, pilgrims are allowed to have darshan. After the morning aarti and special hours are completed, the temple may close for a few hours in the afternoon. Evening aarti takes place at 7:30 pm. This is the last aarti of the day and after this the temple is closed at night.
Worship - Kedarnath Temple
Jal Abhishek
Devotees participate in the holy water anointment of the sacred Linga of Lord Shiva. The water used in Abhishekam usually comes from the Mandakini River. Aarti is performed several times a day in Kedarnath temple.
Darshan at Kedarnath Temple
The main purpose of visiting Kedarnath is to have darshan. Pilgrims stand in queues inside the temple to catch a glimpse of the idol of Lord Shiva and worship him.
Prayers
Devotees offer prayers and offer flowers, fruits and coconuts to the deity. Pilgrims recite mantras and offer prayers during their journey to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Pilgrims light lamps and incense in the temple complex as offerings to Lord Shiva and as a symbol of removing darkness and ignorance. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple. It is considered a symbol of reverence and devotion towards Lord Shiva.
Taking a dip in the Mandakini river flowing near the temple is considered sacred. Devotees often take a bath in the icy cold waters of the river before visiting the temple. Many devotees visit Kedarnath as a form of penance and spiritual purification.
These religious rituals at Kedarnath hold deep significance for the devotees and have been taking place in the same manner for centuries.
Best Time to Visit - Kedarnath Temple
Summer (May to June)
This is the most popular time to visit Kedarnath. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). During this time the snow has usually melted, making it easier to reach Kedarnath Temple. During summer months one can witness trekking and lush green nature which is good for pilgrimage and visiting nearby tourist attractions.
Monsoon (July to September)
This area receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, making it quite difficult to reach here and heavy rains and land sliding can make it even more difficult.
Winter (October to November)
This time is a good time to visit Kedarnath, as the monsoon retreats and the weather starts clearing. Days are generally sunny, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The temple remains open till late October or early November depending on weather conditions.
November to March: As winter approaches, temperatures drop significantly and snowfall also occurs in the region. Kedarnath temple closes from mid-November to late April when summer arrives.
Before planning your trip to Kedarnath Temple, you should know about the opening and closing dates of the temple and weather conditions.
How to reach - Kedarnath Temple
Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh
Your journey to Kedarnath generally starts from either Rishikesh or Haridwar, both of which are well connected by road and rail to major cities of India. You can reach here easily from Delhi, Dehradun and other major cities.
By Road to Gaurikund
From Rishikesh or Haridwar, one can hire a taxi or take a state transport bus to reach Gaurikund town. Gaurikund is the base for Kedarnath Yatra which is connected by motorable road. The distance of Gaurikund from both Rishikesh and Haridwar is approximately 210 to 230 kilometers.
Gaurikund to Kedarnath
From Gaurikund to Kedarnath one can trek on foot. This trek is about 16 kilometers and there is a lot of climbing on the way. This trek is a bit difficult and in such a situation physical fitness is very important. It usually takes 6 to 8 hours to complete the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. Many pilgrims and tourists travel on foot and some people hire pony/mule rides for the trek.
Stay - Kedarnath Temple
Guest houses and Dharamshalas can be found to stay in Kedarnath but for this one should book in advance. Especially during summers when a large number of pilgrims come here, it is difficult to find a Dharamshala or hotel here.
Access to Kedarnath can be affected by weather conditions, and the temple is generally open to pilgrims from late April or early May to late October or early November. It is important to check the current status of the temple and trekking routes before planning your trip, and it is advisable to make adequate preparations for high altitude treks.
Preserving Kedarnath and Surroundings
Conservation of Kedarnath and its surroundings is of utmost importance. The government, environmentalists and religious authorities are working to continuously develop and protect this sacred place. Considering the spiritual importance of Kedarnath and the increasing number of pilgrims coming here, it is necessary to maintain a balance according to the environment and changing conditions here.
.jpg)
