 Amidst
the mountainscapes of the majestic Kedarnath range stands one of
the twelve ' Jyotirlingas' of Kedar or Lord shiva. Lying at an altitude
of 3.581 mts. Above sea level on the head of river Mandakini, the
shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus.
The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic
- Mahabharate. According to legend, the Pandavas sought the blessings
of Lord Shiva to atone their sins fafter the battle of Mahabharata.
Lord Shiva eluded them repetedly and while fleeing took refuge
at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed HE dived
into the ground, leaving behind HIS hump on the surface. This
conical protrusion is worshipped as the idol on the shrine. The
remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped at four places
the arms (bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukha) at Rudranath, naval
(nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. Together
with Kedarnath, these places are known as the panch Kedar.
The lingam at Kedarnath is pyramidal, unlike its usual form.
A statue o fNandi - the celestial bull stands at the entrance
of the temple and exquisitely carved image adorn the interiors
of the temple.
During the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow and hence
is closed the ideal time to visit is between May to October. One
can reach Kedarnath Through a 14 kms. Long trek from Gaurikund.
General Inforamation
Area : 3 sq. km.
Climate : Winter : Sep. to Nov. cold
during the day and chilly at night
Summer : May - Aug. Cool during the
day and cold at night.
Rainfall : 1.475 mm.
Best season : May to Oct. except monsoon
Clothing : Light woolens in summer Heavy
woolens in winter
Language : Hindi, Garhwali and English
How To Get There
Airport : Jolly Grant, Dehradun ( 246
kms.)
Railhead : Rishikesh (229 kms.) Kotdwar
(260 kms.)
Road : Approachable on foot (14 kms.)
from gaurikund, which is connected by road to Rishikesh, Kotdwar,
Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal
and kumaon region.
Prime Sites
Kedarnath Temple
The present temple, built in 8th entury A.D. by Adi Guru Shankaracharya
lies adjacent to the site of an ancient temple built by Pandavas.
The walls of the exquisitely architectured temple are embellished
with figures of deities and seenes from mythology. The temple
has a conical lingam - the main idol, a statue of Nadi - the celestial
bull, a 'garbha griha' for worship and a 'mandap' for assemblies
of pilgrims and visitors. The temple is believed to be more than
1000 years old.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
Behind the kedarnath Teple lies the samadhi or the final resting
place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It is believed, after establishing
the four dhams in India, he went for his samadhi at an early age
of 32 years.
Vasuki Tal (6 Kms)
A picturesque lake, 4.135 mts. Above sea level is encircled by
lofty mountains and offers a coomanidng view of the Chaukhamba
peaks.
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