DN Darshan: Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

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Kedarnath/ 26 Jan 2016. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva- the protector and the destroyer. Kedarnath is the highest Jyotirlinga among the other 12 Jyotirlingas- manifestation of Lord Shiva. This ancient and magnificent temple is located at Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand.

 
A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. 

The present temple, built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas.

Architecture

The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The temple is built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones and outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. The temple has a Garbha Griha for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors.

Legend

The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as a guard.

Time to visit

The shrine closes on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens in Vaishakh (Apr-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath. 

How to reach

By Air

The Nearest airport is Jolly Grant that is 260 kms. far from the temple.

By Rail

The Nearest railway station to the Kedarnath temple is at Rishikesh that is 243 kms from temple. Taxis are available from there.

By Road 

Visitors can board regular buses from Rishikesh and Kotdwar to Kedarnath. Private taxis can also be hired from these places. The National Highway from Delhi to Mana (538 km) remains open throughout the year.