Kedarnath -Tourism

Kedarnath, nestled around 221 km from Rishikesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Lying against the backdrop of the magnificent Kedarnath range, at an altitude of 3,580 m, the splendid Kedarnath temple is enveloped by the imposing snow draped peaks. The temple was constructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D. The cascading Mandakini River and the images of verdant landscapes and snow draped Himalayas make Kedarnath a tranquil place.

The devotees can experience a great peace of mind and undertaking a spiritual trip here always rekindles human beings faith in the almighty. Devotees flock to this holy pilgrimage site every year. Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is one of the most prominent sacred pilgrimages, particularly for the Hindus. The temple opens its gates for the visitors in the first week of May on the eve of Akshaya Tritiya and shuts down in the month of October-November. Gandhi Sarovar, Vasuki Tal, Gaurikund, Sonprayag, Triyuginarayan, Agastyamuni Temple and Deoria Tal are some of the memorable sites around Kedarnath.

The mesmerizing vistas and splendid sceneries in the form of the snow-fed mountains, rhododendron forests, and salubrious environment make the place truly enchanting.

Legends About Kedarnath

Legend 1:- Legend goes that Nara and Narayana two incarnations of Vishnu performed severe penance in Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand, in front of a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in front of them and said that they may ask for a boon. Nar and Narayan requested Shiva to take up a permanent abode as a Jyotirlingam at Kedarnath so that all people who worship Shiva shall be freed from their miseries.

Legend 2:- According to another legend, the place came into being during the period when the five Pandavas brothers were asked to seek Shiva blessings purging them of the sin of killing their cousins. Lord Shiva unwilling to give darshans to the Pandavas filed Kashi to live incognito in Guptkashi, where eventually he was detected by the Pandavas. Besides, yet another popular legend related to Kedar Temple, Goddess Parvati worshipped Kedareshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar.

Bhairon Temple:- A little away from Kedarnath is a temple dedicated to Bhaironathji who is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening & closing of Kedarnath. The belief is that Bhairavnathji protects this land from evil during the time when temple of Kedarnath is closed.

Kedarnath (Famous Jyotirling):- The lingam at Kedarnath, unlike its usual form, is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlings. Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificient temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform.