Every year, Shiva worshippers journey to Kedarnath. The Char Dham Yatra encompasses the pilgrimages to Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath, which are all located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district in the Garhwal Himalayas. Read this article to know Kedarnath Temple history, the significance of Kedarnath Temple, and how to reach Kedarnath Temple. Also, Know some of the unknown facts about Kedarnath Temple.
Kedarnath Temple HIstory
According to legend, the Pandavas went to Lord Shiva to absolve themselves of the guilt of murdering their blood relations. Shiva, on the other hand, did not want them to be forgiven for their transgressions, so he disguised himself as a bull and roamed the Garhwal Himalayas. Shiva dove underground after being discovered by the Pandavas. Bhim was barely able to hold on to his hump. Shiva’s bodily parts in the form of a bull appeared in various locations.
The bull’s hump was discovered in Kedarnath, the navel was discovered in Madhya-Maheshwar, 2 forelegs were discovered in Tungnath, and the face was discovered in Rudranath, and the hair was discovered in Kalpeshwar. The five sacred locations are together known as the Panch Kedar.
According to legend, the original Pandavas erected the temple of Kedarnath, and the current temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D., who restored the shrine’s splendor. The Kedarnath Temple History does not end here, it is much more as described further.
More About Kedarnath Temple History
The temple is one of India’s 12 jyotirlingas and is reported to be around 1,200 years old. Along with other summits, the spectacular Kedarnath mountain (6,940 meters) looms behind the temple, adding to the area’s splendor.
The structure is a work of art, made of massive, hefty, and evenly carved gray stone slabs. The Lord is worshiped as Sadashiva in the conical Shiva lingam. It distinguishes the temple from all other Shiva sanctuaries. A Mandap is used for gatherings of pilgrims and guests, while the Garbha Griha is used for worship.
Every year, on the first day of Kartik (October-November), the Kedarnath temple closes and reopens in Vaishakh (April-May). Around this time of year, the lower Himalayan range’s snow-capped peaks, meadows, and forests seem to reverberate with the name of Lord Shiva. The Mandakini and Saraswati rivers run through the temple grounds.
Chorabari Tal, Bhairav Temple, Gaurikund, and Vasuki Tal are some prominent tourist sites in Kedarnath Dham. Kedarnath has certainly endured the test of time, according to the history, tradition, and the significance of Kedarnath temple.
Significance Of Kedarnath Temple
The Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage includes four places, including Kedarnath. Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (the world’s most powerful Shiva temples) and the most important of the Panch Kedars.
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Facts About Kedarnath Temple
A few interesting and unknown facts about Kedarnath temple are:
1. The Kedarnath temple’s Shiva Lingam is shaped like a triangle. As a result, it stands out among Shiva temples. It is kept in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha). The Kedarnath temple is home to idols of Parvati, Lord Krishna, the five Pandavas, and their wives Draupadi, Nandi, Veerabhadra, and other gods and goddesses, as well as Lord Shiva’s vehicle Nandi.
2. When the Kedarnath temple is shuttered for six months during the winter, the deity’s idol is transported to Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar temple and worshiped there for six months.
3. In the Kedarnath temple, the mantras are chanted in Kannada.
4. Under the Shri Kedarnath Mandir Act of the Uttar Pradesh Government, Kedarnath Temple is managed by the Kedarnath Temple Commission.
5. The unpredictability of the inclement weather makes it difficult to go to Kedarnath. Actually, a cloud burst is enough to flood the Kedarnath temple complex and cliff. A major flood struck Kedarnath in 2013.
6. The Kedarnath temple stands 85 feet tall, 187 feet long, and 80 feet wide. The Kedarnath temple’s walls are 12 feet thick and composed of exceptionally hard stones.
7. For 400 years, the Kedarnath temple was totally buried by snow, after which it was discovered.
8. According to certain religious academics, nothing can ever happen in this holy temple, no matter how great a disaster strikes, because it is safeguarded by its principal deity.
9. King Parikshit constructed the Kedarnath temple in a spectacular manner. King Parikshit, the father of Emperor Jaymejayan, died of a snakebite.
10. Jyotirlingas: Lord Shiva’s twelve sacred Jyotirlingas include the Kedarnath shrine. This temple is also claimed to have blessed the Himalayas and kept them full with Lord Shiva’s devotion. Read further to know how to reach Kedarnath temple.
Also Read – 12 Jyotirlinga List With Place In India And How To Reach
How To Reach Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh Railway Station. Rishikesh Railway Station, around 210 kilometers from Gaurikund, is well connected to practically all of India’s main towns and has daily trains. A bus can be taken from Rishikesh to Gaurikund.
The bus network in Kedarnath connects it to New Delhi and Dehradun. If you arrive in New Delhi, the best method to get to Dehradun, which is roughly 260 kilometers away, is to take a bus. The two major interstate bus terminals in Delhi, Kashmere Gate Bus Terminal & Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, both provide regular bus connections to Dehradun. You may take a bus to Kedarnath from Dehradun. You can also get to Kedarnath via bus from Haridwar.
The distance between Haridwar & Kedarnath is around 125 kilometers, and buses take approximately 5 hours to complete the journey. The closest motorable place to Kedarnath is Gaurikund.
If you want to enjoy that magnificent stretch at your leisure, you can book a cab from Dehradun. Taxis run between Dehradun and Kedarnath, and the fee varies depending on the vehicle’s size and seating capacity.
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Conclusion
Alongside Kedarnath, the Mandakini River flows calmly. The atmosphere at Kedarnath transports you to another world with its pure air and breathtaking scenery. Thousands of Hindus flock to Kedarnath Temple every year to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Kedarnath Temple is a popular destination for adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.
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