Kedarnath: An Unforgettable Pilgrimage to the ‘Deva Bhoomi’ of Uttarakhand
Kedarnath is located in the Garhwal Himalayan Range of Rudraprayag District in Uttarakhand and is one of the four important Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is situated at the banks of the Mandakini River and is encircled by the lofty peaks of the Himalayas. With its resplendent beauty and spiritual significance, Kedarnath has been an attractive pilgrimage site for Hindus since time immemorial.
History of Kedarnath
The historical significance of Kedarnath can be traced back to the Mahabharata era. It is said that the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to absolve them of their sins after the epic battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Shiva, displeased by their actions, decided to hide from them. He took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull and plunged into the ground. The remaining parts of the bull were then divided and spread to different places, which are now known as the Panch Kedars.
Significance of Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is believed to be the holiest of them all. It is considered to be a highly sacred pilgrimage site and devotees come from all over the country to seek the blessings of the Lord. The temple is also believed to be the site of the samadhi of the great sage Adi Shankaracharya.
The temple is open only for a few months every year between April and October and remains closed during the winters due to heavy snowfall in the area. The temple doors are opened on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya and are closed on the day of Bhai Dooj.
Places to Visit in Kedarnath
Kedarnath is surrounded by some beautiful places that offer a breathtaking view of the majestic Himalayan Mountains. Some of the most popular places near Kedarnath are:
- • Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important sites for Hindu pilgrimage. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and is constructed in the North Indian style of architecture.
- • Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is a serene lake located at an altitude of 4135 meters. The lake is believed to have been created by Vasuki Nag, the king of serpents. The lake is ideal for trekking and camping and offers a spectacular view of the majestic Himalayan range.
- • Chorabari Glacier: The Chorabari Glacier is located at an altitude of 4100 meters and is the source of Mandakini River. The glacier is surrounded by lush green meadows and offers a captivating view of the surrounding Himalayan range.
- • Triyuginarayan Temple: The Triyuginarayan Temple is an ancient temple located at a distance of 8 km from Kedarnath. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be the site of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is between the months of April and November. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the temple remains open for devotees. The winter months of December to March are very cold and the temple remains closed during this period due to heavy snowfall in the region, making it inaccessible for pilgrims. However, the snow-covered landscape during this time offers a different kind of beauty, attracting some adventure enthusiasts for trekking and snow activities. Overall, visiting Kedarnath during the spring and autumn months ensures a comfortable pilgrimage experience with clear weather and stunning views of the Himalayas.