Introduction
Perched at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Temple stands as one of the most powerful and ancient shrines of Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a key pillar of the Char Dham Yatra (along with Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri).
Dedicated to Lord Kedarnath, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, the temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Mandakini River, and the divine silence of the Himalayas. A visit to Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage—it’s a spiritual awakening amid nature’s grandeur.
Mythological Significance of Kedarnath Temple
The story of Kedarnath dates back to the Mahabharata era. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for killing their kin. Shiva, however, avoided them and took refuge in the Himalayas in the form of a bull (Nandi).
When the Pandavas followed him, Lord Shiva tried to disappear into the earth. Bhima caught his hump before he vanished completely. It is believed that the hump appeared in Kedarnath, while other parts of his body emerged in different places—forming the Panch Kedar shrines:
- Kedarnath (hump)
- Tungnath (arms)
- Rudranath (face)
- Madhyamaheshwar (navel)
- Kalpeshwar (hair)
Thus, Kedarnath Temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva’s divine energy resides in the form of a Jyotirlinga.
Historical Background
The current stone temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD, although the original structure may date back even earlier. It is constructed over a pre-existing temple built by the Pandavas.
Despite facing severe weather conditions and natural calamities, the temple structure has stood resilient for over a thousand years, surviving earthquakes, snowstorms, and floods—including the devastating 2013 flash floods. Its survival is considered miraculous and divine by many devotees.
Architectural Splendor
Kedarnath Temple is a fine example of Himalayan temple architecture built using massive, interlocking stone slabs.
Key Features:
- Main Sanctum (Garbhagriha): Houses the irregular-shaped Shiva lingam, which represents the hump of the bull.
- Mandapa: A large hall with intricately carved stone pillars and statues of various deities.
- Nandi Statue: A large statue of Nandi (Shiva’s mount) guards the entrance.
- Simple yet majestic facade: With images of various Hindu gods and motifs etched into stone.
The temple’s construction style is earthquake-resistant, with no use of cement or mortar—demonstrating the skill and knowledge of ancient Indian architects.
Kedarnath Yatra – A Journey of Devotion and Courage
The Kedarnath Yatra is considered one of the most challenging and spiritually rewarding pilgrimages in India. It involves a trek of 16 to 18 kilometers from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple.
Route and Transportation:
- By Trek: The main route from Gaurikund passes through Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli, and Kedarnath base camp.
- By Helicopter: Services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi to Kedarnath helipad.
- Palkis, mules, and doli services are available for senior citizens and those unable to walk.
Despite the tough terrain, the yatra is filled with scenic beauty, flowing rivers, tall pine forests, and glimpses of Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Dome and Chaukhamba.
Daily Rituals and Worship
Kedarnath Temple opens to the public in late April or early May, on Akshaya Tritiya, and remains open until Bhai Dooj (October–November). During the winter months, the idol is shifted to Ukhimath, where Lord Kedarnath is worshipped until summer returns.
Major Rituals:
- Morning Pooja (Mahabhishek): Begins at 4:00 AM with a sacred bath and offering rituals.
- Evening Aarti: Devotional songs and incense mark the end of the day.
- Special pujas: Rudrabhishek, Laghu Rudra, and Maha Rudra Yagna can be performed by devotees.
Pilgrims are encouraged to pre-book poojas and entry passes through the official portals.
Spiritual Significance and Jyotirlinga Status
Kedarnath is the 11th among the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. These Jyotirlingas are believed to emit divine light and spiritual energy.
It is believed that a visit to Kedarnath with a pure heart can liberate one from the cycle of birth and death, especially when combined with darshan at the other Char Dham sites.
Festivals Celebrated at Kedarnath
While Kedarnath remains snow-covered and inaccessible in winter, it witnesses a spiritual surge during festivals:
- Opening Day (Akshaya Tritiya): Massive celebrations mark the opening of the temple gates.
- Maha Shivratri: Thousands of devotees offer prayers, perform night vigils, and chant Shiva mantras.
- Shravan Month: July-August is considered auspicious, and a high number of pilgrims visit.
Festivals are observed with traditional Garhwali music, devotional singing, and sacred rituals.
Kedarnath After the 2013 Floods
The 2013 Uttarakhand floods were one of the worst natural disasters in India’s recent history. While the entire Kedarnath town was devastated, the temple structure miraculously remained intact, with a massive rock (now called the Bhairav Shila) believed to have diverted the deadly flow, saving the temple.
Post the floods, the government, along with the Neeraj Chopra Clean Kedarnath Mission and Temple Restoration Projects, have rebuilt the infrastructure, added new lodging, safety measures, and digital systems for smoother yatra experiences.
Visitor Information
How to Reach Kedarnath:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 235 km from Gaurikund.
- By Train: Nearest station – Rishikesh, then travel by road to Gaurikund.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun to Sonprayag and Gaurikund.
Trek & Stay:
- Trek distance: 16–18 km from Gaurikund
- Accommodation: GMVN guesthouses, budget dharamshalas, tents, and new guesthouses
- Facilities: Oxygen booths, medical centers, food stalls, ponies, and palkis
Temple Timings:
- Opening (Summer): 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: May to June & September to October
Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra
- Fitness Check: The yatra is physically demanding; consult a doctor if needed.
- Proper Clothing: Wear layers, as weather changes rapidly in the mountains.
- ID Proof: Mandatory at checkpoints and during registrations.
- Avoid Monsoon Travel: Landslides and floods are common in July-August.
- Advance Booking: Required for helicopter, accommodation, and pooja services.