Kedarnath Tour

Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest and revered Hindu temples located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level near the Mandakini River. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. Key features and information about Kedarnath Temple: Accessibility: Kedarnath is not easily accessible by road throughout the year due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. Pilgrims typically reach Gaurikund by road and then continue their journey on foot or by hiring ponies or palanquins. Opening and Closing Dates: The temple is open to pilgrims only between the end of April or early May to the beginning of November each year. It remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Pilgrimage Route: The traditional pilgrimage route to Kedarnath involves trekking for about 16 kilometers from Gaurikund. The route passes through picturesque landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. Panch Kedar: Kedarnath is part of the Panch Kedar, a group of five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other four temples in this circuit are Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Historical Significance: The origin of Kedarnath Temple is believed to date back to the Mahabharata era. According to legend, Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva here after the Kurukshetra War. Architecture: The temple has a simple yet unique architecture, constructed in a traditional Himalayan style with grey slabs of stones. It is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Maha Shivaratri: The festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm at Kedarnath Temple, attracting thousands of devotees. Destruction and Reconstruction: The temple has faced natural calamities, including the devastating floods in 2013. Despite significant damage, efforts were made to reconstruct and restore the temple to its former glory. Kedarnath Temple holds immense religious and spiritual significance, drawing devotees and tourists from around the world who seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva in this sacred Himalayan abode.