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Kedarnath Dham is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Char Dham and Panch Kedar temples and holds immense significance in Hinduism. Here’s a detailed description:
Geographical Location
• Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas.
• Nestled on the banks of the holy Mandakini River, a tributary of the Ganga.
• Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with the Kedarnath peak (6,940 m) and other Himalayan ranges providing a stunning backdrop.
Religious Importance
• The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (lingas of light).
• According to mythology, the Pandavas built this temple to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness after the Mahabharata war.
• It is believed that the hump of a bull (an incarnation of Shiva) emerged at this site when he disguised himself to evade the Pandavas.
Architecture
• The temple is built of large, heavy, and evenly cut grey stone slabs.
• It is said to have been constructed by the Pandavas and later renovated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
• Despite harsh weather conditions, the temple has withstood the test of time and nature, including the devastating floods of 2013.
Access and Trekking
• The nearest road head is Gaurikund, which is approximately 16 km from Kedarnath.
• Pilgrims can trek or opt for ponies, palkis, or helicopters to reach the shrine.
• The trek is a spiritual and scenic journey, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Opening and Closing
• The temple is open to devotees only from April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) to November (Kartik Purnima) due to extreme winter conditions.
• During the winter months, the idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Spiritual Experience
Visiting Kedarnath is considered a transformative journey of devotion and inner peace. It is not just a religious site but also a destination of immense natural beauty and tranquility, attracting both pilgrims and adventurers.