Yatra of Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a holy town of the Hindus and is located in Uttarakhand. It is a nagar panchayat located in the Rudraprayag district. It's also the remotest of all the char dham sites, located at 3,584 metres above sea level. The Kedarnath temple was built back in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya and it stands side by side to the temple that was built by the Pandavas. Yatra of Kedarnath

It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful snow capped mountains. Kedarnath attracts tourists from all over the country and abroad and is a very popular destination. The famed Jyotilirlingam is located here amidst the beautiful mountains and the majestic beauty of the Kedarnath. During the winter season, the Kedarnath shrine is submerged in snow and hence, remains closed. There is a 14 kms. long stretch after which the visitor reaches Kedarnath.

According to legends, after the Pandavas won over the Kauravas in the war of Kurukshetra, they felt guilty of having kiled their own brothers. They went on and wanted the blessings of Lord Shiva as redemption. However, Lord Shiva kept eluding them and went on and took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull. But, since he was followed, he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. It is said that the remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped as manifestations.



Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 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. This temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. 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.