HISTORY
Mythological Origins: According to Hindu mythology, the origin of Kedarnath Temple can be traced back to the Mahabharata era. It is believed that after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas wanted to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sins they had committed during the war. Lord Shiva, however, did not want to meet them and sought refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull. When the Pandavas pursued him, Lord Shiva dived into the ground and left his hump on the surface. The present temple was built on the spot where Lord Shiva’s hump is said to have appeared.
Adi Shankaracharya: The Kedarnath Temple gained significant prominence during the 8th century due to the efforts of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Hindu philosopher and theologian. Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have discovered the temple buried under snow and restored it. He also established a matha (monastic organization) named “Uttarāmnāya maṭha” to oversee the religious activities at the temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. You can take a flight to Dehradun from any major city in India. Once you reach Dehradun, you can proceed to the next step.
- 2. By Road: From Dehradun, you need to drive to the city of Rishikesh. You can hire a cab or take a bus from Dehradun to Rishikesh, the journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Rishikesh is well connected to the major cities in North India through the road network.
3. By Road (continued): From Rishikesh, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach the town of Gaurikund. Gaurikund is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. The road distance between Rishikesh and Gaurikund is about 200 kilometers (124 miles), and it takes about 7-8 hours to cover this distance
TIMING
Opening and closing time
Opening Date: The temple typically opens on Akshaya Tritiya, which falls between late April and early May. The exact date is determined by the Hindu calendar.
Closing Date: The temple usually closes on the day of Bhai Dooj, which falls in late October or early November. Again, the exact date is determined
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Best time to come kedarnath dham for yatra
SUMMER
Summer season (May to June)
During this time, the weather in Kedarnath Dham is relatively pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). The snow from the winter months has usually melted, making the trek more accessible. However, it is advisable to bring warm clothing as evenings can be chilly at the higher elevations. At this time of year the influx of pilgrims is particularly large, so it is important to plan your visit in advance and be prepared for a large crowd.
Monsoon
The monsoon season (July to August) brings heavy rains to the region, making the trek to Kedarnath Dham challenging and potentially risky due to landslides and slippery paths. The temple remains open during this time, but is generally not recommended for the yatra for safety reasons
winter
During the winter months, the climate in Kedarnath is extremely cold and the town receives heavy snowfall. The average temperature during the winter months (December to February) ranges from -2°C to 7°C. In January, the temperature can drop as low as -15°C.
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Destruction And Reconstruction
The Kedarnath temple has experienced several natural disasters throughout its history. The most devastating event occurred in June 2013, when the region was hit by a severe flood caused by heavy rains and cloudbursts. The temple complex and the town of Kedarnath were severely damaged, and many people lost their lives. However, efforts were made to rebuild the temple, and in May 2014 it was reopened to the public after extensive restoration work.
Today, the Kedarnath temple continues to attract millions of devotees each year who undertake a challenging pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the spiritual aura of this sacred place
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
It is believed that the present Kedarnath temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple follows the traditional North Indian temple architecture and is built of stone. It stands at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) near the mouth of the Mandakini River. The temple complex includes a garbha griha (holy of holies), a mandapa (assembly hall), and an outer pradakshina (circumambulation) path. The temple is surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas as a breathtaking backdrop.
FAQ
A: Kedarnath dham is located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Himalayan range at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.
A: Kedarnath dham is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple at Kedarnath is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
A: The most common way to reach Kedarnath dham is by undertaking a trek from Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the pilgrimage. Gaurikund is accessible by road from cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar. From Gaurikund, it is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek to Kedarnath. Alternatively, you can also hire a helicopter service from Phata or Guptkashi to reach Kedarnath.
A: The best time to visit Kedarnath dham is during the summer months of May to June and September to October. The weather during this time is generally pleasant, and the trekking routes are open. Kedarnath dham experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months, and the temple remains closed during that period.
A: While it is possible to visit Kedarnath dham with children or elderly family members, it is important to consider their health and physical capabilities. The trek can be demanding, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before planning the pilgrimage for individuals with specific health conditions or limitations. Helicopter services can also be utilized for easier access to Kedarnath.
A: Yes, photography is generally allowed in Kedarnath dham. However, it is important to respect the sanctity of the temple and follow any specific guidelines or instructions provided by the temple authorities.
A: Yes, there is a small medical facility available in Kedarnath dham to handle medical emergencies and provide basic healthcare services. However, it is always advisable to carry any necessary medications and consult a healthcare professional before undertaking the pilgrimage.
