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Uttaranchal Kedarnath Temple
Location | Kedarnath, Uttrakhand, India |
Built by | |
Also known as | |
Primary deity | Lord Shiva |
Important Festivals | |
Attraction |
Kedarnath Mandir or the Kedarnath Temple is one of the revered temples which are devoted to Lord Shiva. Located on the Himalayan range close to the River Mandakini in Kedarnath, this temple has immense importance. Owing to the extreme climatic conditions, this temple remains open from April to Kartik Purnima which is generally in November every year. During the chilled winter season, the vigrahas from this temple are brought down to Ukhimath and are worshipped here for 6 months.
Lord Shiva is highly worshipped as Kedarnath, or the Lord of Kedar Khand which is the historical name of this region.
History
As per the Hindu mythology, this temple was constructed by Adi shankarcharya while also has a special mention in the legendary epic Mahabharata. It is said that the Pandavas executed a strong penance in order to please the Lord Shiva in Kedarnath. Once having won the war against Kauravas, they felt guilty and wished to seek blessings of Lord Shiva for salvation who was eluding them.
Following this Lord Shiva took refuge in the region of Kedarnath in the shape of a bull while dived into ground where he left his hump on the ground surface. Apart from this, the other four parts of God Shiva fell at Kapleshwar, Madhmaheswar, Rudranath and Tungnath. Kedarnath together with these four places is even mentioned as Panch Kedar.
Discovery of Temple
This temple owes its discovery to Adi Shankaracharya. It is also said that this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How To Reach
By Air
Jollygrant is the nearby airport which is located in Dehradun which makes it easy for the pilgrims to visit the temple. The airport is 239 kilometers away from Kedarnath, while is 20 kms from Dehradun. Taxi cabs are accessible from Dehradun airport for Kedarnath. The domestic flights operate from Delhi to Dehradun, while for international tourists Indira Gandhi International Airport is the best.
By Rail
Rishikesh is the nearby railway station which is 189 kms away from the holy place Kedarnath. The prepaid taxi services can be hired from the railway station that cost around 3000. One needs to travel by road and then on foot to reach Kedarnath.
By Road
Well connected by buses, Kedarnath is easily accessible by local state and private luxury buses. On reaching a certain point at Kedarnath, individuals need to travel on foot for 14 kms and reach the holy temple.
Important Shrines
The important shrines located near the Kedarnath Temple are Bhairava Temple, Gandhi Sarovar and the Bhairav Jhamp, from where the pilgrims jumped to attain moksha or salvation.
Significance Of The Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is situated at the height of 3583 m which is approximately 223 kms from Rishikesh, on the shore of River Mandakini, which is a tributary of Ganges. This temple is believed to have been built in 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya when he visited the place. The temple is based on a structure which is adjacent to the site where the Pandavas wanted to build a temple. Kedarnath Temple has Mantapa and Grabhagriha while stands on plateau which is enclosed by snow clad glaciers and mountains. Just before the temple, there is an inner shrine where Nandi statue is carved out of a rock.
Weather And Time To Visit
Kedarnath has pleasing climate all through the year while the best months for visiting this place are May, June and then September and October. The extreme winter season must be avoided as the region experiences snow fall which could block the roads and hence delay your trip. Summer season is perfect with moderate climate when you can visit the temple and enjoy the sightseeing.
Since landslides are very common during the monsoon season, the tourists must avoid visiting Kedarnath during the months of July and August.
Accomodation
Kedarnath is a sacrosanct pilgrimage center in northern India hence there is no issue related to accommodation. The hotels are generally booked in advance as there are scores of devotees who visit this endearing pilgrimage center. As Kedarnath is a tourist destination, there are plenty of hotels, Dharamshalas available at economical prices. They offer basic amenities together with comfortable accommodation.
Tips For Devotees
The best time to visit Kedarnath is Middle of May till June end. The devotes are advised to carry oxygen cylinder and necessary medicines if you have problem with respect to breathing as Kedarnath has low level of oxygen in morning and night. One must also take energetic but light food and must not walk very fast.
As the journey to Kedarnath is very tiring, one can hire a pony also however remember to bargain with them. Don’t carry excess clothing and in order to witness the beauty of this place at its peak, one must visit in the first week of June.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
- The temple open in April end or in the first week of May while closes on Bhai Duj as it gets extreme cold here and the region might experience heavy snowfall.
- People must visit the temple with pure heart and great devotion.
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