The
Legend
Myths and legends coupled with the
enehanting beauty of the Rudra Himalaya range
gives this place a pristine beauty. According
to one such legend Goddess Parvati worshipped
Kedareswar to unite with Lord Shiva as Ardhanareshwar.
Another such legend has it that Nar and Narayan,
the two incarnations of Lord Vishnu practised
severe penances at Badrikashram in front of
a Shivalingam. When Lord shiva gave them the
divine appearance, they requested him to make
Kedareshwar his permanent abode. Lord Shiva
thus manifessted himself in the form of Jyotirlingam.
It is believed that Arjuna, one of the Panch
Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva to attain the
divine weapon, Pasupataastra.
Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam
or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is one of the
twelve 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.Ascending through the
large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums
we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps.
The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The
inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned
with figures of various deities and scenes
from mythology. Outside the temple door a
large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.
A conical rock formation inside the temple
is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva
form. The temple, believed to be very ancient,
has been continually renovated over the centuries.
It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt.
it is a 14 km trek from gaurikund.
At the approach of winters in the month
of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva,
is carried down from Garhwal (Kedarkhand)
to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath,
in the first week of May. It is at this time,
that the doors of the temple are thrown open
to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India,
for a holy pilgrimage. The shrine closes on
the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens
in Vaishakh (Apr-May) every year. During its
closure the shrine is submerged in snow and
worship is performed at Ukhimath.
The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically
placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow -
covered mountains, and grassy meadows covering
the valleys. Immediately behind the temple,
is the high Keadardome peak, which can be
sighted from great distances. The sight of
the temple and the peak with its perpetual
snows is simply an enthralling. .
The
Temple Schedule, Fairs and Festivals
Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages
for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the
stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas
at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar
is another name of lord Shiva, the protector
& the destroyer. Shiva is considered
the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred,
fear, death & mysticism which are expressed
through his various forms.
Kedarnath Darshan and Pooja Timings
As per the tradition decided by
Lord Brahma the temple would be open for
six months i.e from hindu calender month
Vaishaka to Karthik for darshan to common
people. For the remaining six months i.e
from Margashsish to Chaitra the temple would
be closed for darshan for common people
as it is Devas turn for Lord’s darshan.
In general the closing month is November
and reopening month is April
Fairs and
Festivals in Kedarnath
Badri Kedar Festival
: Held in the month of June, nothing
could be a perfect manifestation of Hindu
religion and culture. The Badri Kedar festival
is held in the sacred shrines of Badrinath
and Kedarnath in the month of June. The
festivities go on for a stretch of eight
days. The festival makes an attempt to bring
under one platform, the greatest artists
of the country. What could be a more apt
tribute to the rich Indian culture?.
Go to Top
Sightseeings
and Excursions
Gandhi Sarovar : A
small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest
of the Pandavas, is said to have departed
to heaven. A km trek from Kedarnath, floating
ice on the crystal clear waters.
Gaurikund : Base for a
trek to Kedarnath & serves as a roadhead,
the village has hot springs & a temple
dedicated to Gauri.
Vasuki Tal : 6 km. At 4135
mtr. above sea level, this lake is extraordinary,
surrounded by high mountains and offering
an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.
This thermal springs of medicinal value.
Sonprayag : 20 km. The
confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini
rivers, where there is a diversion for Triyuginarayan.
Triyuginarayan : 25 km.
the mythological venue where the wedding of
Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It
is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag. An
eternal flame, which is said to have been
the witness to the marriage, burns in front
of the temple even today.
Gupt Kashi : 49 km. Famous
for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji.
Ukhimath : 60 km. Winter
home of Lord Kedarnath temple, and the seat
of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months.
Agastmuni : 73 km., Has
a temple dedicated to the sage Agastya.
Chopta : Situated on the
Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar
at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea
level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque
spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides
a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding
it.
Deoria Tal : At an altitude
of 2,440 mt., this beautiful lake is situated
on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. In the
early morning, the snow-capped peaks are clearly
reflected on the lake waters. This lake also
provides an excellent venue for angling, as
well as birdwatching.
Panch Kedar: The five most
important temples of Lord Shiva in garhwal
Himalayas.
The Kedar Massif : This
is an outstanding massif formed by the three
major mountains - Kedar Dome.
Bharatekuntha at 6578 Meters,
is connected to Kedarnath to the East, by
a long and dangerous avalanche ridden ridge.
At 6000 meters it looks stunning and has several
glacial flows, one of which is the Mandakini
glacier running down its ridges.
Kedarnath and Kedardome,
are connected by a deep ridge. Kedar Domeat
6831 Meters presents a fair challenge to climbers.
Kedarnath is however, a difficult peak to
climb. At 6940 Meters it is just beneath the
level where the oxygen layer is thin. Anyone
interested in a good day trek, could take
the well travelled path from behind the temple
toward Bharatekuntha. About three kilometers
away in the valley formed by the Kedarnath
massif, is Chorabhari Tal. This lake has been
renamed Gandhi Sarovar after the Mahatma's
ashes were immersed in Iake.
How
to reach Badrinath and Travel Information
?
By Air : Jolly Grant AirStrip,
is located at Dehradun with limited domestic
flight service.
By Rail : The nearest railhead
is at Rishikesh.
By Road : connected by
road to Rambara 6 km on foot, Gaurikund 14
km on foot, Sonprayag 20 km, Guptkashi 49
km, Kund 54 km, Agastmuni 73 km, Tilwara 83
km, Rudraprayag 92 km, Ukhimath 59 km, Dogalbhita
83 km, Chopta 89 km, Mandal 117 km, Gopeshwar
128 km and Chamoli 138 km.
Important to remember while doing
your packing
Area 3 sq. kms
Altitude 3,581 mtrs above sea level
Clothing Woolens to Heavy woolens
Local Transport Taxis/Dandies/Ponies
Clothing (Summer) : Woollens
(Winter) :Heavy Woolens
Ideal time for visiting the Kedarnath
shrine is between May to October.
One should, without fail, carry Sweaters,
woolen clothing, Umbrella and required medicines
during the trip. Minimum luggage should be
preferred. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic
drinks are strictly prohibited in this place.
Reasonable accommodation, at cottages managed
by Temple committee is available. Postal and
Banking facilities are available. A State
Allopathic Dispensary is also available.
