Images and Story of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand

High in the Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by snow peaks and divine silence, stands Kedarnath Temple—one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. More than just a pilgrimage site, Kedarnath is a place where mythology, history, and faith merge into one powerful spiritual experience.

Is Kedarnath a Jyotirlinga?

Yes, Kedarnath is a Jyotirlinga and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
The word Jyotirlinga means “pillar of divine light”, symbolizing the infinite and formless nature of Shiva.

For devotees, visiting Kedarnath is considered one of the highest spiritual achievements.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Story – The Origin of the Jyotirlingas

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga story begins with a cosmic debate.

Long ago, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued over who was supreme. To end their dispute, Lord Shiva appeared as a massive, endless pillar of light (Jyoti Stambha) and challenged them to find its beginning or end.

• Vishnu went downward

• Brahma went upward

Neither could succeed.

Realizing Shiva’s infinite power, they accepted his supremacy. The places where this divine light manifested became the 12 Jyotirlingas, and Kedarnath is one of them.

Suggested Read:  Kedarnath Uttarakhand India | Best Time To Visit | Where To Stay

Where Is Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Located?

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is located in Uttarakhand, in the Rudraprayag district.

• Altitude: ~3,583 meters (11,755 ft)

• Mountain Range: Garhwal Himalayas

• River: At the origin of the Mandakini River

• Mythology also mentions the presence of the hidden Saraswati River

This extreme altitude makes Kedarnath one of the highest Jyotirlingas in the world.

History of Kedarnath Temple

The history of Kedarnath goes back thousands of years.

• Mentioned in the Skanda Purana (7th–8th century AD)

• Believed that the Pandavas first built a shrine here after the Mahabharata war

• The present stone temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya around the 8th century

Adi Shankaracharya also attained samadhi near the temple, further increasing its spiritual importance.

Architecture & Special Features of Kedarnath Temple

• Built from massive interlocking stone slabs (no mortar)

• Stands on a rectangular stone platform

• Steps contain inscriptions in ancient Pali language

• Walls feature carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes

At the entrance sits a large statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s sacred bull, eternally facing the shrine.

Inside the sanctum:

• The Jyotirlinga appears as a conical rock formation

• Represents Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form

The Legend of Kedarnath & Panch Kedar

After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness for killing their kin. Lord Shiva avoided them by disguising himself as a bull.

When Bhima tried to catch the bull, Shiva disappeared into the earth. His body reappeared at five locations:

1. Kedarnath – Hump

2. Tungnath – Arms

3. Madhyamaheshwar – Navel

4. Rudranath – Face

5. Kalpeshwar – Hair

Together, these are known as the Panch Kedar, with Kedarnath being the most prominent.

How Many Steps in Kedarnath?

There is no fixed official count of the steps inside the Kedarnath temple complex.
However:

• The main entrance involves a short but steep stone stairway

• The real physical challenge lies in the 16 km trek from Gaurikund, not the temple steps themselves

Important Facts About Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

• Temple is open only from April/May to November

• In winter, idols are shifted to Ukhimath

• Survived the 2013 floods almost untouched

• First among the Panch Kedars

• Despite closure during Mahashivratri, the Badri–Kedar Festival (June) is celebrated with great devotion

Why Kedarnath Is So Special

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva

• Extreme Himalayan location adds spiritual intensity

• Mythology, history, and nature blend seamlessly

• A place where faith feels deeply personal

Conclusion

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is not just a destination—it’s a living legend carved in stone, snow, and devotion. Whether you come seeking blessings, history, or inner peace, Kedarnath leaves an imprint on the soul. Standing before the Jyotirlinga amidst the Himalayas feels like stepping into an ancient cosmic story—one that continues to guide millions on the path of faith.