Kedarnath

Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand boast of unparallel credentials in the religious arena. This scenic locale in the Gharwal region proffers an unruffled ambiance with it’s snowy peaks, alpine forests and colourful rhodendrons. Renowned for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath pilgrimage offers the joy of a devout centre and the sizzles of an idyllic tourist spot. A serene place that is closely associated with the mighty Pandavas upholds a beautiful legend of its own. It says that in order to evade from the Pandavas, Lord Shiva made himself hidden in the form of a bull here at Kedarnath, and when noticed by the Pandavas the lord drudge himself in to the earth leaving the hump on the surface.

Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificient temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface.

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. You will find it 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 month due to Heavy snowfall and Extreme Cold weather.

One among the holiest pilgrim centers in northern India, which is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters in the lap of the majestic mountain peaks, Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand boast of unparallel credentials in the religious arena. This scenic locale in the Gharwal region proffers an unruffled ambiance with it’s snowy peaks, alpine forests and colourful rhodendrons.