The Kedarnath Temple, located in the Kedarnath town of Uttarakhand, holds great religious and historical significance in Hinduism. Here's an overview of its history and details on how to reach the temple:
History of Kedarnath Temple:
According to Hindu mythology, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, believed to be the sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is said to have been built by the Pandavas, the legendary figures from the Indian epic, Mahabharata. It is believed that after the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's blessings to seek forgiveness for their sins during the war. Lord Shiva, however, evaded them and took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull. The Pandavas followed him and found him in the form of a hump, with the rest of his body submerged in the ground. The temple was built at this spot, and the hump is worshipped as the main deity.
How to reach Kedarnath Temple:
Reaching Kedarnath involves a multi-step journey, as the temple is situated in the Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). Here are the common routes:
1. By Air:
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek.
2. By Train:
The nearest major railhead is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund.
3. By Road:
Roadways are the most common mode of transportation to reach Gaurikund. Gaurikund is connected to major cities in Uttarakhand by motorable roads. Regular bus services are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other nearby towns.
4. Trek to Kedarnath:
The final leg of the journey involves a trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The trek is approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. Ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services are also available for those who cannot undertake the trek on foot.
It is advisable to check the weather conditions and undertake the trek during the summer months (May to June) or the early autumn season (September to October) to avoid heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions.
Please note that due to the remote location and harsh weather conditions, it is recommended to plan your trip well in advance and make the necessary arrangements for accommodation and provisions during your stay in Kedarnath.
Remember to respect the religious significance of the temple and follow the guidelines set by the authorities to preserve the sanctity of the place.
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