About Unveiling the Mystical Beauty of Kedarnath Dham: A Journey to the Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva

Kedarnath is a town and Nagar Panchayat in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, known primarily for the Kedarnath Temple. It is approximately 86 kilometres from Rudraprayag, the district headquarter. Kedarnath is the most remote of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites.Kedarnath Temple ( केदारनाथ मंदिर ) 'temple of the God of the field' is a Hindu temple, one of the twelve jyotirlinga of Shiva. The temple is located on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river, in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open to the general public only between the months of April (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima, the autumn full moon). During the winters, the vigraha (deity) of the temple is carried down to Ukhimath to be worshipped for the next six months. Kedarnath is seen as a homogenous form of Shiva, the 'Lord of Kedarkhand', the historical name of the region.

The temple is not directly accessible by road and has to be reached by a 22 kilometres (14 mi) uphill trek from Gaurikund. Pony, mule and manchan service is available to reach the temple. According to Hindu legends, the temple was initially built by the Pandavas, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of Shiva. The Pandavas were supposed to have pleased Shiva by doing penance in Kedarnath. The temple is one of the four major sites in India's Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of Northern Himalayas and is the first of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sites. This temple is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is one of the 275 paadal petra sthalams expounded in the Tevaram, a sacred Tamil Shaivite text written during the 6th and 7th centuries by 63 saints called Nayanars. This temple is sung of by Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar and Sekkizhar in their Tevaram texts.

Elevation: 3,583 m
District: Rudraprayag
Named for: Kedarnath Temple

Opening Time: Late April to early May
Closing Time: Early November

Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh, 228 kms
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant Airport, 248 kms

Key features and information about Kedarnath Temple:

1. Religious Significance: Kedarnath Temple is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It holds great religious significance, and it is believed that visiting this temple and offering prayers to Lord Shiva here can help one attain salvation (moksha).

2. Pilgrimage: The temple is a significant destination for devotees of Lord Shiva, and it is part of the Char Dham Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage circuit in the Indian Himalayas that includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

3. Architecture: The temple is built in the traditional North Indian architectural style using large, rough stones. It has a distinctive conical shape and is constructed without any use of mortar. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and stands against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

4. Opening and Closing: Due to the extreme weather conditions in the region, Kedarnath Temple is open to devotees only for a few months each year, typically from late April to early November. It remains closed during the harsh winter months when the area is covered in snow.

5. Access: The temple is not easily accessible by road. Visitors have to trek a distance of approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Gaurikund to reach the temple. Horseback and palanquins are also available for those who may have difficulty walking.

6. History: The history of Kedarnath Temple dates back to ancient times, and it is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. The current temple structure is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It has undergone several renovations and rebuilds over the centuries.

7. Natural Beauty: Besides its religious significance, the Kedarnath area is renowned for its natural beauty. The temple is surrounded by lush meadows, dense forests, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

8. Chorabari Glacier: The Chorabari Glacier, also known as the Gandhi Sarovar, is located near the temple. It is the source of the Mandakini River and is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who visited Kedarnath in 1948.

Kedarnath Temple is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. It attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world who come to seek blessings, experience the serene environment, and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas.

History and legends of origin

At a height of 3,583 m (11,755 ft), 223 km (139 mi) from Rishikesh, on the shores of Mandakini river, a tributary of Ganga, is a stone edifice of unknown date.[7] It is not certain who built the original Kedarnath temple and when. The name "Kedarnath" means "the lord of the field": it derives from the Sanskrit words kedara ("field") and natha ("lord"). The text Kashi Kedara Mahatmya states that it is so called because "the crop of liberation" grows here.
Many folk legends related to the Garhwal region, Lord Shiva and the creation of the Panch Kedar temples are narrated.

A folk legend about Panch Kedar relates to the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Pandavas defeated and slew their cousins — the Kauravas in the epic Kurukshetra war. They wished to atone for the sins of committing fratricide (gotra hatya) and Brāhmanahatya (killing of Brahmins — the priest class) during the war. Thus, they handed over the reins of their kingdom to their kin and left in search of the lord Shiva and to seek his blessings. First, they went to the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi), believed to be Shiva's favourite city and known for its Kashi Vishwanath Temple. But, Shiva wanted to avoid them as he was deeply incensed by the death and dishonesty at the Kurukshetra war and was, therefore, insensitive to Pandavas' prayers. Therefore, he assumed the form of a bull (Nandi) and hid in the Garhwal region.

Puja Booking at Kedarnath Temple:

1. Visit the Official Website: Start by visiting the official website of Kedarnath Temple if one exists. Temple authorities often provide information about puja services, booking procedures, and contact details on their websites.

2. Contact the Temple Authorities: If the website does not provide the information you need, contact the temple authorities directly. You can find their contact information on the official website or by searching online.

3. Inquire About Puja Services: When you contact the temple authorities, inquire about the availability of online puja booking services, the types of pujas offered, their costs, and any specific requirements or instructions for booking and participating in the rituals.

4. Follow Booking Procedures: If online puja booking is available, follow the booking procedures outlined by the temple authorities. This may include providing necessary details, making payments, and receiving confirmation.

5. Respect Timing and Guidelines: Be sure to follow the timing and guidelines provided by the temple authorities for your chosen puja. Arrive at the temple well in advance and adhere to any dress code or other requirements.

6. Participate in the Puja: On the scheduled day and time of your puja, participate in the ritual with devotion and respect. Seek blessings and perform the puja rituals as instructed.

How to Reach Kedarnath

1. Reach Rishikesh or Haridwar:

   • Your journey to Kedarnath usually begins from Rishikesh or Haridwar, both of which are well-connected to major Indian cities by train and road. The nearest major railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar.

2. Travel to Gaurikund:

   • From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the town of Sonprayag, which is about 218 kilometers from Rishikesh and around 221 kilometers from Haridwar.
   • At Sonprayag, you need to change vehicles as private vehicles are not allowed beyond this point. You'll continue your journey to Gaurikund, which is about 5 kilometers from Sonprayag.

3. Start the Trek:

   • From Gaurikund, you have two options to reach Kedarnath Temple:
     • Trekking: The most common way is to trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which is approximately 16 kilometers long. It's a well-marked trekking route, and ponies or palanquins can also be hired if you prefer not to walk.
     • Helicopter: Some helicopter services operate between Phata (near Guptkashi) and Kedarnath. This is a faster but more expensive option. Be sure to check the availability and schedule of these services in advance.

4. Stay in Kedarnath:

   • Kedarnath offers limited accommodation options for pilgrims and tourists. There are guesthouses, dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses), and campsites available. It's advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.

5. Visit the Temple:

   • Once you reach Kedarnath, you can visit the Kedarnath Temple and pay your respects to Lord Shiva.

6. Return Journey:

   • After your visit to the temple, you can trek back to Gaurikund or take a helicopter if you prefer. From Gaurikund, you can proceed with your onward journey to Rishikesh, Haridwar, or other destinations.

Please note that the trek to Kedarnath can be physically demanding due to the high altitude and the mountainous terrain. It's important to be adequately prepared, physically fit, and acclimatized to the altitude before embarking on this journey. Additionally, check the weather conditions and the status of the trek before starting, as the region experiences rapid weather changes, especially during the monsoon season.

Here are some important things to know before you travel to Kedarnath:

1. Pilgrimage Season: Kedarnath Temple is usually open to pilgrims from late April or early May to early November. Plan your visit within this timeframe.

2. Weather Considerations:

   • Kedarnath experiences extreme weather conditions. During the pilgrimage season, days can be relatively warm, but nights can be very cold. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations.
   • The monsoon season (June to September) can bring heavy rainfall and landslides, making trekking difficult and dangerous. It's best to avoid visiting during this period.

3. Acclimatization: The temple is located at a high altitude of around 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). Spend a day or two in a lower-altitude place like Rishikesh or Haridwar to acclimatize to the altitude before heading to Kedarnath. Altitude sickness is a real concern.

4. Physical Fitness: The trek to Kedarnath can be physically demanding, especially if you choose to walk the entire distance. Ensure you are in good physical condition and able to handle the trek's challenges.

5. Trekking Gear: Proper trekking gear is essential. This includes comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, a good quality backpack, trekking poles (if needed), and a first-aid kit.

6. Permits and Registration: Check if you need to obtain any permits or register with local authorities before starting your journey. Regulations may change, so confirm the current requirements.

7. Transportation: Plan your transportation in advance. You can reach Rishikesh or Haridwar by train or bus and then proceed to Sonprayag or Gaurikund by road. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Sonprayag, so make transportation arrangements accordingly.

8. Accommodation: Kedarnath offers limited accommodation options, and they fill up quickly during the pilgrimage season. Book your accommodation in advance or be prepared for basic accommodations in guesthouses and dharamshalas.

9. Food and Water: Carry some packaged snacks and bottled water, as food options can be limited on the trekking route and at Kedarnath. Stay hydrated and eat light to avoid altitude-related issues.

10. Respect Local Customs: Kedarnath is a sacred place. Show respect for local customs, traditions, and religious practices. Follow temple rules and dress modestly when visiting the temple.

11. Waste Management: Practice responsible tourism by disposing of your waste properly. Avoid littering and maintain the cleanliness of the region.

12. Emergency Contacts: Carry emergency contact numbers for local authorities, medical services, and your accommodation. Mobile phone networks may have limited coverage in some areas.

13. Safety: Stay informed about weather conditions and possible route changes. If you're trekking, consider hiring a local guide who knows the terrain well. Inform someone about your travel plans and expected return time.

14. Altitude Sickness: Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If you experience severe symptoms, descend to a lower altitude immediately.

15. Pack Light: Keep your luggage lightweight and carry only the essentials. You may need to carry your own bag during the trek, so avoid overpacking.