Kedarnath is one of the most holy shrine for Hindus. It is situated in Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand with an height of 3584 metres above sea level. It is one among Chota Char dham and one of 12 Jyotirlingas, which is very holy destination for Lord Shiva Devotees. Kedarnath was made up by Adi Guru Shankaracharya during his visit North side of India in 8th Century
In the old folk tales it is related to the ancient epic Mahabharatha when the Pandavas are looking for repent to clear from the sin of killing their brothers ‘the Kauravas’ and Brahmins( Brahman Hatya). To atone from the sin the Pandavas are searching for Lord Shiva. When Pandavas came to the Garhwal region
Lord Shiva take the form of Bull also known as Nandi and hide but Bhima, the second of five Pandvas recognized the lord Shiva and he tried to hold him from tail and hind legs but the bull gets disappeared in the ground and reappears in different parts of region with Hump in Kedarnath, face in Rudranath, stomach part appears in Madmaheshwar, the hairs appear in Kalpeshwar and the arms appears in Tungnath.
Here are some key aspects of Kedarnath:
Spiritual Significance:
Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations in India, which includes four sacred pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India. The temple in Kedarnath is believed to have been established by the legendary Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata.
Kedarnath Temple:
The Kedarnath Temple is the most prominent attraction in the town. It is a stone-built temple situated near the banks of the Mandakini River and is known for its unique architecture and religious importance. The temple opens its doors to devotees only during the summer months, due to extreme weather conditions in the region during the rest of the year.
Natural Beauty:
Kedarnath is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks, lush greenery, and the pristine Mandakini River flowing through the valley. The town is located within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to various species of flora and fauna.
Trekking and Adventure:
The journey to Kedarnath often involves a trek of around 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, the nearest roadhead. The trekking route passes through picturesque landscapes, including forests and meadows. It can be a challenging trek due to the altitude and weather conditions, but it’s a rewarding experience for pilgrims and trekkers alike.
Tourism:
Kedarnath attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over India and around the world. During the peak pilgrimage season, the town can get quite crowded. Pilgrims visit the temple to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, and tourists come to admire the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
