Full Details Of Uttarakhand Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

 

• Locality/Village:- Kedarnath
• State:- Uttarakhand
• Country:- India
• Nearest City/Town:- Rambara
• Best Season to Visit:- The temple is open only from April to November usually.
• Languages:- Hindi / English
• Temple Timings:- 4 AM to 9 PM.
• Photography:- Not allowed.

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is considered to be the most sacred pilgrimage site in India. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan Mountains. In this article, we will explore the full details of the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple.

History of Kedarnath Temple:

According to Hindu mythology, the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata period. The temple is said to be more than a thousand years old. The temple was destroyed several times due to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. The current structure of the temple was built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is made of large, heavy stones that are held together without any mortar or cement.

The architecture of Kedarnath Temple:

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple has a unique architecture that is different from other Hindu temples. The temple has a rectangular shape and is built of large, heavy stones. The temple has a Mandap, Garbhagriha, and a Shikhar. The temple has a conical-shaped Shikhar that is made of wood and covered with copper plates. The Garbhagriha of the temple houses the Lingam of Lord Shiva. The temple has a unique feature of a statue of Nandi made of brass at the entrance.

The temple is built in the traditional North Indian style of architecture. The temple is situated on a large platform that is made of stones. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden that adds to the beauty of the temple. The temple has a large courtyard where devotees can sit and pray.

Significance of Kedarnath Temple:

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as the destroyer and transformer of the universe. The temple is said to be the place where Lord Shiva meditated after the Kurukshetra war. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at Kedarnath Temple can wash away all sins and bestow moksha (liberation).

The temple is also significant because it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The twelve Jyotirlingas are considered to be the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the four Jyotirlingas located in the Himalayas.

Pilgrimage to Kedarnath Temple:

The pilgrimage to Kedarnath Temple is considered to be one of the toughest pilgrimages in India. The temple is located in the Himalayas and is accessible only by foot. The nearest town to the temple is Gaurikund, which is connected by road to major cities in India. From Gaurikund, devotees have to trek 14 kilometers to reach the temple.

The trek to the temple is difficult as it involves walking through steep slopes and narrow pathways. The journey to the temple takes about six to seven hours. The best time to visit the temple is between April and November. The temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

 

Full Details Of Uttarakhand Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

 

Festivals at Kedarnath Temple:

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. The most important festival is the Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated in February or March. During this festival, devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva and observe a fast. Another important festival is the Char Dham Yatra, which is a pilgrimage to the four holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Kedarnath Temple is visited by thousands of devotees during this yatra.

Apart from these festivals, the temple also celebrates other festivals such as Navratri, Diwali, and Holi. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and devotees offer special prayers to Lord Shiva.

Facilities for Devotees:

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple provides several facilities for devotees. There are several dharamshalas and guest houses located near the temple where devotees can stay. The temple also provides free food and water to devotees. The temple also has a medical facility for emergencies.

The temple also provides a helicopter service for devotees who are unable to trek to the temple. The helicopter service is available from Phata and Guptkashi, which are located near the temple. However, the helicopter service is subject to weather conditions.

Nearby Tourist Places Kedarnath :

Kedarnath, located in the Himalayas, is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty. There are several nearby tourist places that one can visit while in Kedarnath. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit near Kedarnath:

Badrinath: Badrinath, located about 170 kilometers from Kedarnath, is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The town is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is known for its ancient Badrinath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Gangotri: Gangotri, located about 235 kilometers from Kedarnath, is a popular pilgrimage site and is known for its Gangotri Temple, which is dedicated to the River Ganges. The town is located at an altitude of 3,048 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Yamunotri: Yamunotri, located about 226 kilometers from Kedarnath, is another popular pilgrimage site and is known for its Yamunotri Temple, which is dedicated to the River Yamuna. The town is located at an altitude of 3,293 meters and is surrounded by beautiful Himalayan mountains.

Auli: Auli, located about 137 kilometers from Kedarnath, is a popular ski resort and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas. The town is located at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Rudraprayag: Rudraprayag, located about 80 kilometers from Kedarnath, is a beautiful town located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The town is known for its ancient temples and is a popular stopover for pilgrims visiting the Char Dham sites.

Guptkashi: Guptkashi, located about 30 kilometers from Kedarnath, is a small town known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a popular stopover for pilgrims visiting the Kedarnath Temple.

Tungnath: Tungnath, located about 45 kilometers from Kedarnath, is known for its ancient Tungnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,680 meters and is the highest Shiva temple in the world.

These are some of the top tourist places to visit near Kedarnath. Each of these places offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Kedarnath.

How to reach Kedarnath Temple:

Reaching the Kedarnath Temple requires a bit of effort as it is located in the Himalayas and is accessible only by foot or helicopter. The nearest town to the temple is Gaurikund, which is well-connected by road to major cities in India. From Gaurikund, one has to trek a distance of 14 kilometers to reach the temple. The trek is difficult and involves walking through steep slopes and narrow pathways. The journey takes about six to seven hours and can be quite challenging for some people. However, the trek is also a beautiful experience as it offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Alternatively, one can also opt for the helicopter service that is available from Phata and Guptkashi, which are located near the temple. However, the helicopter service is subject to weather conditions and can be quite expensive.

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