Kedarnath Temple: History and Pilgrimage Guide
The Kedarnath Temple, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and part of the Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters and surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks.
History of Kedarnath Temple
- Origin: Believed to have been established by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, the temple is a part of the Panch Kedar, a group of five sacred Shiva temples in Uttarakhand.
- Construction: The present stone temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. It is constructed using large, interlocking stones, showcasing exceptional ancient engineering.
- Legends:
- It is said that after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for their sins. To evade them, Shiva took the form of a bull (Nandi) and submerged into the ground. The hump of the bull appeared at Kedarnath, while other parts manifested at other Panch Kedar temples.
- Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have attained moksha near Kedarnath and his samadhi (final resting place) is located behind the temple.
Day-by-Day Kedarnath Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar or Rishikesh
- Activities:
- Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by train, road, or air (nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun).
- Visit the famous Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) or Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh).
- Stay: Overnight at a hotel in Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Day 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Guptkashi
- Distance: ~210 km (8-10 hours drive)
- Route: Drive through picturesque mountain roads, with stops at Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers) and Rudraprayag.
- Activities:
- Visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi.
- Prepare for the trek the next day.
- Stay: Overnight at Guptkashi.
Day 3: Guptkashi to Gaurikund and Trek to Kedarnath
- Distance:
- Guptkashi to Gaurikund: 30 km by road.
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath: 16 km trek.
- Route:
- Start early from Guptkashi and reach Gaurikund (base camp for the Kedarnath trek).
- Trek or take a pony/helicopter to Kedarnath.
- Activities:
- On reaching Kedarnath, check into guesthouses or ashrams.
- Evening visit to Kedarnath Temple for darshan and aarti.
- Stay: Overnight at Kedarnath.
Day 4: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
- Activities:
- Early morning darshan at the Kedarnath Temple.
- Explore the surroundings, including Bhim Shila (a boulder said to have saved the temple during the 2013 floods).
- Begin the descent to Gaurikund and drive back to Guptkashi.
- Stay: Overnight at Guptkashi.
Day 5: Guptkashi to Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Distance: ~210 km (8-10 hours drive)
- Activities:
- Relax and enjoy the scenic journey back.
- Optional sightseeing in Haridwar/Rishikesh, including Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.
- Stay: Overnight at Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Day 6: Departure
- Activities: Depart to your destination via train, bus, or flight.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (May to June): Ideal for trekking and pleasant weather.
- Autumn (September to October): Clear skies and fewer crowds.
- Monsoon (July to August): Not recommended due to landslides and heavy rains.
- Winter (November to April): Temple remains closed due to snow; deities are moved to Ukhimath for worship.
Tips for the Kedarnath Journey
- Fitness: Prepare for the trek with light exercises or walking routines.
- Clothing: Carry warm clothes, waterproof jackets, trekking shoes, and gloves.
- Permits: Register for the Char Dham Yatra online or at designated counters.
- Health: Carry essential medicines, first aid, and oxygen cylinders if needed.
- Helicopter Services: Available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi for a quicker journey.
Kedarnath Temple offers a blend of spirituality, natural beauty, and adventure, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for devotees and travelers alike.
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