History of Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath, one of the major pilgrimage of chardham yatra. The holy town for Hindus in rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand.
As majestic as Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath Temple stands tall at a height of 3584 meters above the sea level. An important Chardham destination, Kedarnath is located at the head of River Mandakini in Rudraprayag district. The shrine is the seat of one of the Twelve Jyotingas of Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Kedarnath can be approached by a 18 km trek from Gaurikund.
Guarded by a statue of the legendary Nandi Bull, the temple is an impressive stone edifice built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaeachaeya. The current temple, stands next to the site of an earlier temple built by the pandavas. The winter seat of Kedarnath is located at Ukhimath
About the places to visit near Kedarnath Temple:-
Kedarnath Temple visit
Kēdārnāth Mandir (Kedarnath Temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva. It is on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand in India. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open only between the end of April (Akshaya Tritriya) to Kartik Purnima (the autumn full moon, usually November). During the winters, the vigrahas (deities) from Kedarnath temple are brought to Ukhimath and worshiped there for six months. Lord Shiva is worshiped as Kedarnath, the 'Lord of Kedar Khand', the historical name of the region.
Chorbari (Gandhi Sarovar)
Trek Only 1 KM from Shri Kedarnath Ji Temple. Hovering snow on the sparkler clear waters of the lake enthralls the visitors.
Vasuki Tal
It is located at an elevation of 4,150meters; the lake is bounded by elevated mountains and provides you an superb sight of Chaukhamba Mountains.
Gaurikund
It is the last motorable place where vehicle can take you, From here pilgrims can do trek of 18 Kms to reach shri Kedarnath Ji. Gaurikund Village has a shrine dedicated to Gauri Mata and warm water Kund.
Trijuginaray
An According to legend,this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnised. In front of the Shiva Temple.
Ukhimath
Ukhimath (Omkareshwar Peeth) is the winter home of the deity of the Shri Kedarnath Ji Temple and the seat of the Rawala of Kedarnath. From six months (November to April) the palki of Lord Shiva is transferred to Ukhimath. This is a winter seat of Kedarnath and a Madhmaheshwar temple, worshiped is performed here at Omkareshwar temple during the winter months when the temple of Kedarnath and Madhmaheshwar remain closed. According to stories, Ukhimath name is derived after the daughter of Banasur, Usha. Ukhimath is dotted with several artistic ancient temples dedicated to Usha, Lord shiva, Goddess Parvati, Aniruddha and Mandhata. The Temples of Usha and Aniruddha, Shiva and Parvati (Omkareshwar Temple) are worth visiting. Snow capped peaks of the splendid Himalayan range are distinctly visible from Ukhimath. From Ukhimath on a clear day one can see the beautiful view of Kedarnath Peak, Chaukhamba & Other green beautiful Valley.
Panch Kedar
Five Most religious temple of Lord Shiva - Tungnath, Kalpnath, Rudranath, Madmaheshwar & Kedarnath. The Combination of these five temple Called Panch Kedar.
Madmaheshwar
The Temple is situated at a height of 3,289 meters above sea level, on the incline of a ridge, 25 km towards north-east of Guptkashi. There is a motor able way from Guptashi to Kalimath. The finest sculpture of Har Gauri in India measure over a meter tall is found in the kali temple. The trekking from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is famous by wild supreme scenic beauty and surrounded by Kedarnath Chaukhamba and Neelkanth peaks. Gaundar at the convergence of Madmeshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last defrayal before one arrive at Madmaheshwar, the destination where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of belly.
Tungnath
Perched at an astounding height of 3680 meters above sea level, Tungnath, one of the sacred Panch Kedar is the height temple of the mighty Shiva. Located on the Chandranath parbat in district the temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Magnificent in its architecture and artistic grandeur the temple has mythological links with epic Mahabharata.Tungnath Temple can be reached by a steep of 4 kms commencing from Chopta located at 2700 meters. The trek passes through rocky terrains, green meadows and rhododendron bushes giving one a chance to enjoy the immense bounties of nature. Several named and unnamed peaks of the Himalayan range are distinctly visible from Tungnath. Another 1.5 km uphill trek from the temple, takes one to summit which offers a majestic view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.
Rudranath
It is situated at a height of 2,286 meters above sea level, here Face of Lord Shiva is dedicated & it is 23 KMS far from Gopeshwar, 5 KM Trek to reach Rudranath Temple. The trekking route of Rudranath Temple passes through untamed orchards and scenic bugyals and involves trek over high points (sometimes 4,000 meters). The temple location offers wonderful views of Nanda Devi, Hathi Parvat, Trishuli, Nanda Ghungti and several other peaks. There are several holy Kunds located near Rudranath temple namely - Chandrakund, Suryakund, Tarakund etc. The whole region is absolutely charming and supreme in picturesque beauty. The temple of Anusuya Devi is situated on the trekking to Rudranath linking an further trekking of 3 km.
Kalpeshwar
Tourists can reach Kalpeshwar after trek of 35 Kms, where the locks (hair) with head, of Lord Shiva are worshipped. It is situated in Urgam Valley at an height of 2,134 meters above sea-level. The Kalpeshwar temple is a additional 10 k m trekking from Rudranath to Helong, the motor top on Rishikesh- Badrinath Highway route.
Deoria Tal
Believed to be the lake devtas (gods) bathed in ancient times. Deoria Tal is one of the most preferred trekking destinations in Uttarakhand. Siuated at a height of 2,438 meters above sea level in the district, the trekking route to Deoria Tal offers enchanting views of snow capped Himalayan peaks along with lush green forests. Panoramic view of majestic peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Banderpunch, Yellow tooth, Kedar range, Kalanag can be had. A route from Deoria Tal to Tungnath is also popular among the enthusiasts as a night trek route. On an overnight stay one has a chance to spot deers and chitals.
Travel Information :
By Air :
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (317kms.)
By Rail :
Nearest railheads are at Rishikesh 297 km away and Kotdwara 327 km away, which are connected with major cities of North India.
By Road :
The road to Kedarnath diverts from Rishikesh - Badrinath Highway Way at Rudraprayag.
