Kedarnath pilgrimage....

Kedarnath trek is part of Uttarakhand Char Dhams (four minor pilgrimage sites) for Hindus and the temple of Kedarnath is located in a nagar panchayat in Rudraprayag district. The other three Chota Char Dhams are Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath. Badrinath is also a part of the major Char Dhams for Hindus. Kedarnath is located at about 3584 metres (11759 feet) above sea level. The town is located near the Chorabari Glacier, which forms the the head of the Mandakini river. This closeness to the glacier also made it the worst hit due to the incessant rains which eventually led to the flash floods.

Legend Behind Kedarnath Temple

Legend goes that Nara and Narayana - two incarnations of Vishnu performed severe penance in Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand, in front of a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in front of them and said that they may ask for a boon. Nar and Narayan requested Shiva to take up a permanent abode as a Jyotirlingam at Kedarnath so that all people who worship Shiva shall be freed from their miseries.

According to yet another popular legend related to Kedar Temple, Goddess Parvati worshipped Kedareshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. Besides, the Pandavas are believed to have visited this area several times. Arjuna is believed to have come here to pray to Shiva to obtain the coveted Pasupataastra. The other Pandavas are believed to have come here in search of him, where Draupadi came across the heavenly lotus Kalyana Saugandikam, and requested Bhima to bring here some more of the same. It was during his venturing out to seek these flowers that Bhima met Hanumaan.

Kedarnath is believed to have been named in honour of King Kedar, who ruled in the Satya Yuga. The land is around the temple is named Vrindavan in honour of King Kedar’s daughter. There’s also a legend that says this is the temple where the Pandavas finally found Lord Shiva in order to seek forgiveness for the sin of killing their cousins. The temple is over 1000 years old.

Significance of Kedarnath Temple

Located in the lofty Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the best known Shivasthalams in India and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the country. It is believed that by praying to Kedareshwar, one can get all his desires fulfilled. Importance of the shrine can be further understood from the beliefs that Upamanyu prayed to Lord Shiva in this place in Satayuga while in Dwapar, the Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva here. Even the spiritual leader Adi Sankaracharya is closely associated with Kedarnath.

Structure of Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Shrine is scenically placed amidst the 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. It is believed that the temple of Kedarnath was constructed by the Pandavas. At the entrance of the temple is the statue of Nandi, the divine bull of Shiva. Walls inside the temple are exquisitely carved with images. The revered Shiva Lingam housed in the temple is in the unusual pyramidal form. The lingam at Kedarnath unlike the usual form is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlings. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The trek to Kedarnath can only be made by foot or you can take a helicopter service. In 2012, the temple saw over 5,48,166 pilgrims.

The temple opens on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya which usually falls in April end or first week of May and closes on Bhai Duj (in October or November after Diwali). The temple is closed for six months because of heavy snowfall. Once winters begin, the statue of Shiva is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and later reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. The Monsoons are not a recommended time for visiting Kedarnath due to threat of landslides.

Bhairon Temple which is close to Kedarnath, is a temple where the god Bhaironathji is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening & closing of Kedarnath. The belief is that he protects the land around Kedarnath from evil during the time when temple of Kedarnath is closed.