Kedarnath Temple

Overview

Kedarnath is a tremendous space. The utterance of the sound “Shiva” attains a completely new dimension and significance in Kedar. It is a space which has been specially prepared for this particular sound. When we utter the word “Shiva,” it is the freedom of the uncreated, the liberation of one who is not created. It is not right to say this, but it is almost like on this planet, the sound “Shiva” emanates from this place. For thousands of years, people have experienced that space as a reverberation of that sound. When we say “Shiva,” it is not about creating one more idol or god that we can ask for more prosperity or better things in life. The word “Shiva” means “that which is not.”

Today, modern science is proving to us that everything comes from nothing and goes back to nothing. The basis of existence and the fundamental quality of the cosmos is vast nothingness. The galaxies are just a small happening – a sprinkling. The rest is all vast empty space, which is referred to as Shiva. The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow - covered mountains, and during summer grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great a distance. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling.

About The Temple

Kedarnath temple is one of the sacred pilgrimage centre in Northern India, located on the bank of Mandakini river at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level. The historical name of this region is "Kedar Khand". Kedarnath temple is a part of Char Dhams and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.  Kedarnath is flanked by breathtaking snow-capped peaks, making it the most remote site among all four Char Dham sites. But each year the followers of Lord Shiva visit this holy temple. The scenic beauty of Kedarnath town attracts lots of tourists from all over the world. The temple is quite crowded during the summer season (May and June). In the month of April to August thousands of devotees come to visit the Kedarnath Temple. During Winter season, Kedarnath is closed for six months due to Heavy snowfall and Extremely cold weather.

Renowned temple Kedarnath is dedicated to incarnations of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath is named after King Kedar who ruled in the Satya Yuga. It is believed that Kedarnath Dham is the place where Lord Shiva absolved Pandavas from the sin of killing their own cousins Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra war. There is an interesting Story behind the Town and its temple. According to the Puranas, the Pandava brothers did a major penance in Kedarnath to please Lord Shiva. Earlier the temple was built by Pandavas and Present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya. Just behind the temple there is a samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya. Among the twelve JyotirLingas of Bhagwan Shankara, the one at Kedarnath is located in the snow-covered area of the Himalayas. This JyotirLinga can be visited only during six months in a year. From the month of Vaisakha to Ashwin (Ashwiyaja) is the time when pilgrims can make the journey to this. The rest of the year it is too cold and the Himalayas are covered in snow. Therefore, the Kedarnath temple remains closed for pilgrims.

Amid the month of Karthik, because of snowfall, Sri Kedareshwar icon is brought out of the temple in the wake of lighting a ghee light, "Nanda Deepa". At that point the temple is shut for the winter. From the month of Karthik to Chaitra Sri Kedareshwar's habitation moved to the Urvi Math, which is in the valley. In the month of Vaishakh, when the temple entryways are opened, the light "Nanda Deepa" still continues smoldering. Individuals come to see this brilliant light and the Shiva enthusiasts view themselves as favored.  Hardwar is thought to be the portal to paradise, the enchantment city or Mayapur. In front of Haridwar, there are sacred spots like Rishikesh, Devprayag, Sonprayag and Triyugi Narayan, Gaurikund. To Kedarnath one needs to go through these spots. Some piece of the trip is motorable and the rest must be strolled upon. This almost through the Himalaya is exceptionally troublesome. Be that as it may, aficionados experience this with commitment and determination. They conquer every one of the troubles with persistence. Kedarnath Jyotirling Temple. To climb the lofty way, some utilize donkeys, some utilize Dolis (swing like carriages) and a few others utilize strolling sticks. There are plans for getting these here. There are chowltries and resting spots in the middle of for the tired yatris.

At Gaurikund, the pioneers get the chance to have a shower in the hot springs there. After this, they take a Darshan of the head-less Ganesha. It arrives in Gaurikund, that Lord Shiva removed Ganesha's head with the trident and later supplanted with the leader of an elephant.  A bit more distant from Gaurikund, close to the snow-clad mountains, on the banks of River Mandakini, the Kedarnath temple of the brilliant JyotirLinga of Lord Shankar gets to be obvious. This is the place Lord Shankar had made His house. The shivalinga here is self-show and not introduced by anybody. It is said that this is the rear piece of Mahisha"(he-buffalo).Kedarnath, nestled around 221 km from Rishikesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga’s of Lord Shiva. Lying against the backdrop of the magnificent Kedarnath range, at an altitude of 3,580 m, the splendid Kedarnath temple is enveloped by the imposing snow draped peaks. The temple was constructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D. The cascading Mandakini River and the images of verdant landscapes and snow draped Himalayas make Kedarnath a tranquil place. The devotees can experience a great peace of mind and undertaking a spiritual trip here always rekindles human beings faith in the almighty. Devotees flock to this holy pilgrimage site every year. Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is one of the most prominent sacred pilgrimages, particularly for the Hindus. The temple opens its gates for the visitors in the first week of May on the eve of Akshaya Tritiya and shuts down in the month of October-November.

The first hall inside Kedarnath Temple contains statues of the five Pandava brothers, Lord Krishna, Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva and Virabhadra, one of the guards of Shiva. Statue of Draupadi and other deities are also installed in the main hall. A medium-size conical rough stone formation is worshiped in the Garbagruha and considered as Sadashiva form of Lord Shiva. An unusual feature of the temple is the head of a man carved in the triangular stone fascia. Such a head is seen carved in another temple nearby constructed on the site where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati was held. Adi Shankara was believed to have revived this temple, along with Badrinath and other temples of Uttarakhand; he is believed to have attained Mahasamadhi at Kedaranath. Behind the temple is the samadhi mandir of Adi Sankara. The head priest (Raval) of the Kedarnath temple belongs to the Veerashaiva community from Karnataka.However, unlike in Badrinath temple, the Raval of Kedarnath temple does not perform the pujas. The pujas are carried out by Raval's assistants on his instructions. The Raval moves with the deity to Ukhimath during the winter season. There are five main priests for the temple, and they become head priests for one year by rotation. The present (2013) Raval of Kedarnath temple is Shri Vageesha Lingacharya. Shri Vageesh Ligaacharya who belongs from the Village Banuvalli of Taluka Harihar of Davanagere district in Karnataka. During Pooja of Lord Shiva at Kedaranath the mantras will be pronounced in the Kannada language. This has been a custom from hundreds of years.

Legend and Stories

Amid the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, their own friends and relatives got murdered. So as to clear themselves of this wrongdoing, the Pandavas went for a journey. In any case, Lord Vishweshwara was away in Kailasa in the Himalayas. On realizing this, the Pandavas, left Kashi. They came to the Himalayas by means of Hardwar. They saw Lord Shankar from a distance. In any case, Lord Shankara avoided them. At that point Dharmaraj said: "Goodness, Lord, You have concealed yourself from our sight in light of the fact that we have trespassed. Be that as it may, we will search You out in some way or another. Strictly when we take your Darshan would our transgressions be washed away. This spot, where You have concealed Yourself will be known as Guptkashi and turn into a celebrated hallowed place. From Guptakashi (Rudraprayag), the Pandavas proceeded, they came to Gaurikund in the Himalayas valleys. They meandered there looking for Lord Shankara. At the same time Nakul and Sahadev discovered a he-bison. It was remarkable to take a gander at. At that point! Bhemma pursued the bison with his mace. The bison was astute and Bheema couldn't get it. In any case, Bheema figured out how to hit the wild ox with his mace. The wild ox had its face covered up in a cleft in the earth. Bheema began to force it by its tail. In this pull of war, the bison's substance went straight to Nepal, leaving its rear part in Kedar. The bison's body is known as Pashupatinath in Nepal. On this rear piece of Mahesha, an eminent JyotirLinga showed up. Ruler Shankara showed up from this extraordinary light. He showed up before the pandavas. By getting a Darshan of Lord Shankar, the pandavas were exonerated of their transgressions.

The Lord told the Pandavas, "Starting now and into the foreseeable future, I will stay here as a triangular formed JyotirLinga. By taking a Darshan of Kedarnath, devotees would accomplish devotion". Close Kedarnath, there are numerous images of the Pandavas Raja Pandu kicked the bucket here, when he attempted to have intercourse to Madri. This spot is popular as Pandukeshwar. The tribals here perform a move called "Pandav Nritya". The peak where the Pandavas went to Swarga, is known as "Swargarohini". At the point when Darmaraja was leaving for Swarga, one of his fingers fell on the earth. At that palce, Dharmaraj introduced a Shiva Linga, which is the thumb's extent. To pick up Mashisharupa, Shankara and Bheema battled with maces. Bheema was hit with regret. He began to back rub Lord Shankara's body with ghee. In memory of this occasion, even today, this triangular Shiva JyotirLinga is kneaded with ghee. Shankara is adored here in this way. Water and Bel leaves are utilized for worship. At the point when Nar-nrayan went to Badrika town and began the worship of Parthiva, Shiva showed up before them. A couple of days after the fact, a satisfied Shiva allowed them a few helps. Nar-narayan longed that for the humankind's welfare, Shiva ought to stay there in his unique structure. Conceding their wish, in the snow-clad Himalayas, in a spot called Kedar, Mahesha himself stayed there as a Jyoti. Here, He is known as Kedareshwara.

There is a legend that after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas were exceptionally influenced on the grounds that they had slaughtered their own particular family – their own particular siblings and relatives. This was called Gothravadha. They felt regretful and ruined by this demonstration and were searching for an approach to pardon themselves of it. So they made a go at searching for Shiva. Shiva would not have liked to give them the delight of all of a sudden turning out to be free from this awful demonstration so he changed over himself into the type of a bull and attempted to get away. Yet, they espied him and tailed him to attempt and catch him. Shiva went into the ground and when he came up, distinctive parts of the body came up in better places. The brow is Pashupathinath in Nepal, considered as the most huge. The bull's mound is Kedarnath, the two forelegs are Tunganath, which is en route to Kedar. The navel showed up in a spot in the Indian piece of the Himalaya called Madhya-Maheshwar which is a capable Manipuraka linga, and the tangled secures of Shiva showed up what is called Kalpnath. Like this, distinctive parts of the body showed up in better places. Depiction of body parts has something to do with the seven chakras. These sanctuaries were set up as a human body. It was an extraordinary examination – attempting to make a colossal body with a tantric probability. One such body happened toward the Indian Himalayas. Another such body streamed towards the western course where they attempted to change over Nepal itself into a body.

The legend goes that Shiva and Parvati lived on the banks of Kantisarovar, and in Kedar, there lived numerous yogis whom they would visit. Kantisarovar is the lake that burst out and came to Kedar amid the 2013 surges. Today, it is being called Gandhi Sarovar. It is really Kantisarovar. Kanti means effortlessness, sarovar implies a lake. It is a pool of beauty. In the yogic society, Shiva is not seen as a God. He was a being who strolled this area and is the very wellspring of the yogic customs. He is the Adiyogi or the first yogi, furthermore the Adi Guru, the first Guru. This first transmission of yogic sciences happened on the banks of Kantisarovar, where Adiyogi started a methodical article of this internal innovation to his initial seven supporters, commended today as the Sapta Rishis.

Festivals

Festivals like Vinayak Chathurthi and Deepawali are celebrated here during September and October. Shravani Annakoot Mela is celebrated on the day before Raksha Bandhan during August. Special Samadhi Pooja is held on the closing day of Kedarnath temple.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport from Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, about 239 km from Kedarnath. In fact this airport is closer to Rishikesh (approx. 16 km) and takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach Rishikesh. From there you need to book a taxi or take a bus to reach Joshimath. Kingfisher Airlines connects Dehradun airport with New Delhi through its Kingfisher Red service leaving New Delhi airport at 11:35 and 03:20 pm and reaching Dehradun at 12:30 pm and 04:20 pm respectively.

Kedarnath by Helicopter

Kedarnath can be reached very easily via Helicopter services, which operates from various places in Uttarakhand. Some of the prominent places from where you can get Helicopter to Kedarnath are: Dehradun, Gauchar, Agustmuni, Phata, Sitapur.

Railways

The nearest railway stations to Kedarnath are at Rishikesh (215 kms), Haridwar (241 kms), Dehradun (257 kms) and Kotdwar (246 kms). Rishikesh is not connected by fast trains and Kotdwar has very less number of trains. However, Haridwar railway station, 25 km from Rishikesh is better connected with New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Howrah.

Road

Kedarnath is well connected through road via major cities such as Chandigarh (387 km), Delhi (458 km), Nagpur (1421 km), Bangalore (2484 km) or Rishikesh (189 km). Train journey can be opted out till Haridwar, Kotdwar or Dehradun or air route too if suitable till Dehradun.

From New Delhi

Buses go to Haridwar almost every half an hour. Road takes 8 hours. Travel by train will take 4-6 hours. From Haridwar we can go directly to Kedarnath. If the group is more than 5-6 persons devotees may think about renting a jeep. If jeep is fast enough then you can reach Gaurikund in 9-10 hours. Please note that road from Rishikesh to Gaurikund will be closed from 8 pm to 4 am.

Kedarnath from Haridwar

From Haridwar every day morning buses start to Gaurikund. Advance bookings can be made at GMOA (Garhwal Mandal owners Association) office in front of the railway station. It takes almost one full day journey to reach Gaurikund if there are no Landslides. Bus journey is very beautiful because most of the 240 kms is ghat road journey with many mountains around and river Ganges following you through out the way.

Kedarnath By Taxi or Private Car

If you choose to drive your own vehicle/car, make sure it has good ground clearance as there are rocks strewn all over the route. A powerful engine will make life much easier. There are two parking lots just before Gaurikund (100m, 500m before Gaurikund). Getting space for private vehicles is tough, but can be managed after polite cajoling discussions with the caretakers.

Gate System on the Way to Kedarnath

In Sonprayag, just 5 km below Gaurikund, there is fatak (gate) to make sure vehicles move in one direction only from SonPrayag to Gaurikund. It ensures minimum traffic snarls, but adds 1-1.5 hrs to journey time should you end up on the stationary side. It would be advisable to park your vehicle at SonPrayag and hitch a ride to Gaurikund.

Transport in Gaurikund

Kedarnath is accessible only after a steep 13 km trek through a paved path (horses or palanquins are available for rent) from Gaurikund, which is connected by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and other important hill stations of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions in Uttaranchal. The charges are not fixed for Horses, Dandies and Ponies if you book directly. You can check the Govt rates and book from there only to get best rates.

Route to Kedarnath from Rishikesh (223 Kms)

Rishikesh - Devaprayag (70 kms) - Srinagar (35 kms) - Rudraprayag (34 kms) - Tilwara (9kms) - Agastamuni (10 kms) - Kund (15 kms) - Guptkashi (5 kms) - Phata (11 kms) - Rampur (9 kms) – SonPrayag (3 kms) - Gaurikund (5 kms) - Rambara (7 kms) - Linchauli (4 Kms) - Kedarnath (3 Kms).

Kedarnath Distance Guide

• Delhi to Kedarnath - 458 kms
• Rishikesh to Kedarnath - 223 kms
• Chandigarh to Kedarnath - 387 kms
• Nagpur to Kedarnath - 1421 kms
• Bangalore to Kedarnath - 2484 kms

Temple Address

Shri Kedarnath Temple Committee,
Maa Chandra Badni Temple, Near Oberoi Nissan Motors,
Kargi Grant, Haridwar By-pass road, Banjarawala,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India,
Pincode - 248001.