Kedarnath (केदारनाथ) Verified
Description
Kedarnath (केदारनाथ) is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra and also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Kedarnath holds deep spiritual and historical significance.
About Kedarnath
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Kedarnath
Mahadev.
The temple stands at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) near the
Mandakini River.
Surrounded by snow-clad peaks, especially the Kedarnath Peak and
Kedar Dome.
The temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old, originally
established by the
Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Key Attractions & Visiting Places
Kedarnath Temple
The main
shrine built in stone architecture.
Houses a
conical-shaped Shiva Lingam, believed to be self-manifested
(Swayambhu).
Bhairavnath Temple
Dedicated
to Bhairav Baba, protector of Kedarnath.
Offers a
panoramic view of the valley.
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Memorial of Adi Shankaracharya, who attained Samadhi here after establishing the temple.
Vasuki Tal
A scenic high-altitude lake (7 km trek from Kedarnath).
Gaurikund
The base camp of the Kedarnath trek, also a holy spot where Goddess
Parvati meditated.
Famous for its hot water spring.
Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)
A small glacial lake, around 3 km trek from Kedarnath.
Religious Significance
As per legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to
absolve their
sins. Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground. His
hump appeared at Kedarnath, while other parts manifested at the Panch Kedar
temples.
Visiting Kedarnath is believed to grant moksha (liberation).
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Air:
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (239 km from Gaurikund).
By Train:
Rishikesh (221 km) and Haridwar (241 km).
By Road: Reach
Gaurikund via road, then 18 km trek (can be done on foot, pony, palki, or helicopter).
By Helicopter:
Services available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Dehradun.
Best Time to Visit
May to October (temple remains closed in winter due to snow).
The temple opens on
Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes on Kartik Purnima
(Oct/Nov).
Tips for Pilgrims
Carry warm clothes, rain gear,
and sturdy trekking shoes.
High altitude →
acclimatization is important.
Book helicopter/room in
advance during peak season.
Best visited with
Badrinath in the Char Dham Yatra.