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  • Kedarnath - Part Of Punch Kedar

    Kedarnath, in Uttarakhand, is a sacred Shiva shrine, part of Panch Kedar. Known for its historic, trek, temples, & scenic beauty. Best visited May-Jun, Sep-Oct.



Kedarnath is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, located in the state of Uttarakhand at an elevation of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level in the Rudraprayag district. It is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River, a tributary of the Ganges. Kedarnath forms part of the Panch Kedar, which are five sacred shrines dedicated to different forms of Lord Shiva. These include Kedarnath (the hump), Tungnath (the arms), Rudranath (the face), Madhyamaheshwar (the navel), and Kalpeshwar (the hair). Kedarnath is the northernmost of these and also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.

History

The history of Kedarnath is deeply entwined with Hindu mythology. It is believed that after the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas, feeling guilty for their actions against their kin, sought redemption by seeking Lord Shiva's blessings. Shiva, wanting to avoid them, took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull but was eventually recognized by Bhima. When Bhima tried to hold onto Shiva, the god dived into the ground, leaving his hump behind, which is worshipped today at Kedarnath.

Historically, the temple's origins are less clear but it is mentioned in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and revitalized by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Over centuries, the temple has seen numerous renovations due to natural calamities, with significant rebuilding after the devastating floods of 2013.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and then from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively pleasant, with clear skies offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The temple opens its doors for the devotees after the winter when the snow clears, typically around late April or early May, and closes with the onset of winter in November.

  • May to June: The summer months are warm, but the high altitude keeps the temperature moderate, making it comfortable for trekking and pilgrimage.
  • September to October: This period, known as autumn, provides excellent weather conditions with fewer crowds post the monsoon season, which often brings heavy rainfall and can disrupt travel plans.
  • Avoid July and August: These months see heavy monsoon rains, leading to landslides and road blockages.
  • Winter (November to April): The temple is closed due to heavy snowfall, though the area turns into a snowy wonderland for those who dare to trek in these conditions.

Attractions

How to Reach

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 238 km from Kedarnath. From there, one must travel by road to reach Gaurikund, the last road point before the trek to Kedarnath begins.
  • By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 220 km away, from where you can take a taxi or bus to Gaurikund.
  • By Road: From Rishikesh or Haridwar, one can travel by road to Sonprayag via Rudraprayag. From Sonprayag, there's a shared taxi or bus service to Gaurikund.
  • Trekking: From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek leads to Kedarnath. This trek can be challenging due to its steep incline and varying weather conditions. Ponies and palanquins are available for those who cannot trek this distance.
  • Helicopter Services: During the pilgrimage season, helicopter services from several points like Guptkashi or Phata offer direct access to Kedarnath, significantly reducing travel time but at a higher cost.

Therefore, Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage site but a testament to the enduring faith, history, and natural beauty of the Himalayas. Visiting this sacred place offers a blend of spiritual enlightenment and physical challenge, making it a memorable journey for any traveler.

Related Uttarakhand Tourism Posts - 5 Panch Kedar

1. Kalpeswar Part of Panch Kedar 2. Kedarnath - Part Of Punch Kedar 3. Madhyamaheshwar Part Of Panch Kedar 4. Rudranath Part Of Panch Kedar 5. Tungnath Part Of Panch Kedar


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