Kedarnath Temple Kedarnath Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Temple is a highly revered Hindu temple located in the town of Kedarnath in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) above sea level, the temple is one of the four sacred sites in Hinduism’s Chota Char Dham pilgrimage.

Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a lingam (an abstract representation of the Hindu deity). The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas (from the Hindu epic Mahabharata) and is over a thousand years old.

Architecture

Kedarnath Temple has intriguing architecture, which features a massive stone edifice, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is surrounded by the snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges, which add to its serene and peaceful ambiance.

Pligimage

Thousands of devotees flock to Kedarnath Temple every year to pay their respects to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. The temple is open for six months every year (from April to November) during which it is accessible via a strenuous trek from Gaurikund or by helicopter services. Kedarnath Temple is not just a pilgrimage site but also an architectural and natural wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world.

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Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

The temple is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. Legend has it that Lord Shiva himself appeared at these twelve places as a fiery column of light and that each Jyotirlinga represents a different manifestation of the god. Kedarnath Temple is therefore an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva, who come from all over the world to seek his blessings at this holy site.

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Mount Kedarnath

Mount Kedarnath is a majestic peak located in the Himalayas, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It has an elevation of 6,940 meters (22,769 feet) above sea level and is situated near the Kedarnath temple. The mountain is considered to be a sacred peak by the locals and pilgrims who visit the Kedarnath temple.

Chorbari (Chorabari) Bamak Glacier

The Chorabari Bamak Glacier is also known as the Kedarnath Glacier and is located about 6 km from Kedarnath. The glacier is the source of the Mandakini River and is a popular trekking trail for tourists. The glacier is about 7 km long and is located at an altitude of about 4,200 m. It is fed by snowfall and several other glaciers and is surrounded by peaks such as Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, and Bharatekuntha.

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Kedarnath Wildlife

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful place, with Kedarnath and Chaukhamba peaks providing a stunning border. The sanctuary is home to the rare Himalayan musk deer, which is why it’s also known as the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary. The sanctuary covers approximately 975 sq km and has a large number of temples located within its precincts, with the Kedarnath temple being the most popular.

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Lord Bhairav Temple

Kedarnath’s Bhairav temple is a half-kilometer from the main Kedarnath temple. Lord Bhairav is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and the temple is dedicated to him. According to belief, he protects the Kedarnath temple and town during the winter months when the temple is closed.

Conclusions

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