Kedarnath

Kedarnath

At a Glance
Population
612
Area
N/A
Geo Location
Latitude: 30.734627
Longitude: 79.066895
Average Climate
Temperature: 2.4 °C
Annual rainfall: 1824 mm
Best time to visit
May –June – September - October

Kedarnath Dham is located in Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is one among the twelve most auspicious temples (Jyotirlingam) of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath is one of the prime-most destinations in Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The legend is that in their advanced age, when Pandavas were going to the Himalayas, they got a glimpse of Lord Shiva and started chasing him. To outwit them, Shiva took the form of a buffalo and ran northwards. When followed by the Pandavas, he ducked underground, only hind part of him was sticking out. The Lord is adored here (at Kedarnath) in that form. Other parts surfaced at four different places and these five places are revered as Panch (five) Kedars (पंचकेदार). The other four are: Madmaheshwara or Madhyamaheshwara (मध्यमहेश्वर - Madhya means middle) where his belly appeared, Rudranath (रुद्रनाथ) where his face appeared, Tunganath (तुंगनाथ) where his arms surfaced, and Kalpeshwar (कल्पेश्वर) where his tresses were found. Kedarnath tourism is primarily associated with Hindu pilgrimage.

Being located in Uttar Kashi / Garhwal region in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is associated with religious prognosis. According to Puranas, Uttarkashi region will take place of Kashi ( Varanasi) in later parts of Kaliyuga (the present ‘evil age’). Another interesting legend related to this region is about a palace mentioned in the Mahabharata. When Yudhishthira was chosen to be the heir apparent, Duryodhana intensified his schemes of killing the Pandava brothers. All the five brothers and their mother were asked to visit a place called Varanavrata where some administrative matters required their attention. They were also required to grace a temple function. It was Varanavrata that Duryodhan got an inflammable lac-covered palace constructed for Pandavas, where he had planned to burn them. Timely information to Pandavas foiled the conspiracy. Varanavrata has been identified with Barahat. It’s surmised that the lac cover mentioned was nothing else but pinewood which is easily inflammable.

Kedarnath Temple is a fine example of architectural excellence. The sculpture is a blend of central India and local style. The establishment of this temple too is attributed to Adiguru Shankaracharya. However, the present temple is said to have been built around 15th -16th century. The copper roof is said to have been repaired and renovated by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The renovation has again been done by the Birlas, an eminent Indian industrial family, in recent years. There is a systematic account of Katyuri rulers. They were greatly helped by Pratihara kings of Kanauj in establishing their kingdom. Hence the influence of other style of workmanship is clearly visible in the temple and palace architecture right from Champavat in the east to the Lakhamandal in the far west.

Kedarnath, situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at a height of 10,500 feet above sea level, is amongst the premier pilgrimages in India. It is at the base of Mandakini river, in a valley two and half km, surrounded by high snow covered mountains. Besides its religious significance, it is also visited by those who love to conquer the rough terrain of Garhwal. The shrine remains covered by snow for six months in a year (closed from October / November up to April / May). The idol is carried to Ukhimath and reinstated in Kedarnath in the month of May. Kedarnath is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The entire region and the valleys are treat for the eyes. Apart from emerald green locations, there is abundance of flowers. One may find Brahma Kamal here, a rare flower and now the State Flower of Uttarakhand. Optima Travels, as Kedarnath travel guide, provides lot of relevant information regarding ‘tirtha yatra’ to Kedarnath Dham.

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