Kedarnath

Excursion | Getting There

One of the most important temples in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is amongst the major Shiva temples of the country. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and one of the Panch Kedars and is located at the source of the river Mandakini.

According to mythology the deity of Kedarnath temple is identified with the rump of a bull, a form assumed by Lord Shiva, when eluding the Pandavas, who had come to repent for killing their kith and kin, during the battle of Kurukshetra . When the Pandavas followed him to the site, he dived into the ground leaving behind him a hump on the surface. This conical projection is worshipped as the idol in the temple. The remaining parts of the body are worshipped at our other sites:-the arms (Bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukh) at Rudranath, navel (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. These five shrines collectively are known as the Panch Kedar.

The Pandavas are given credit for building the temple of Kedarnath. The statue of Nandi, the divine bull of Shiva, stands at the entrance of the temple. The wall inside the temple, is exquisitely carved with images, and the temple houses a shiva lingam, which is worshipped by hordes of pilgrims. What is truly unique about the lingam is that it is pyramidal.

As winter dawns in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhnimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage.

Kedarnath is situated in very scenic locales and is enveloped by lofty, snow-covered mountains and grassy meadows covering the valleys. The Kedar dome peak, which can be seen from great distance, is located immediately behind the temple. The sight of the temple and it's perpetually snowed landscape will take your breath away.

Excursion
Kedarnath Temple
Built in the 8th century A.D., The temple at Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was renovated and refurbished by the religious reformer and saint, Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Outside the temple door a large statue of Nandi the bull, stands as the guardian deity.

Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya
Located behind the Kedarnath Temple is the Samadhi or the final resting place where the saint gave up his life.

Bhairav Nath Temple
To the south of the main temple stands the temple of God Bhairav, the deity who guards the Kedarnath Temple in winter, when it is closed due to severe winter conditions.

Gandhi Sarovar
1.5 km. A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven.

Vasuki Tal
6 km. At 4135 mtr. Above sea level, this lake is extraordinary, surrounded by high mountains and offering an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

Gauri Kund
15 km. The trekking base to Kedarnath and the road head, this village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and also thermal springs of medicinal value.

Sonprayag
20 km. The confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers, where there is a diversion for Triyuginarayan.

Triyuginarayan
25 km. the mythological venue where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag. An eternal flame, which is said to have been the witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today.

Gupt Kashi
49 km. Famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji.

Ukhimath
60 km. Winter home of Lord Kedarnath temple, and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months.

Agastmuni
73 km., Has a temple dedicated to the sage Agastya.

Chopta
Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it.

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Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun

By Rail
Nearest railhead is Rishikesh : 221 km, of which 207 km. is motorable upto Gaurikund. The remaining 14 km. has to be covered on foot or on ponies. See Rishikesh for rail connections.

By Road
Regular Yatra bus services are available from Rishikesh and Kotdwar. Private taxies are also available from Rishikesh.

Some major road distances are
Rambara - 6 km on foot
Gaurikund - 14 km on foot
Sonprayag - 20 km
Guptkashi - 49 km
Kund - 54 km
Agastmuni - 73 km
Tilwara - 83 km
Rudraprayag - 92 km
Ukhimath - 59 km
Dogalbhita - 83 km
Chopta - 89 km
Mandal - 117 km
Gopeshwar - 128 km
Chamoli - 138 km

General Information
Season: May-October
Clothing: Summer - Woolen; Winters - Heavy Woolen
Language: Hindi, Garhwali
STD Code: 01372-86

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