Kedarnath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four major sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple is located in the Himalayas and is believed to be more than 1000 years old. It is considered as one of the most sacred places for Hindus and thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every year, especially during the Kedarnath Yatra. The temple remains open for a limited period of time each year due to extreme weather conditions in the region.
History
Kedarnath is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, during the Dwapar Yuga (the third age of the world). According to legend, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to absolve them of their sins after the Battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Shiva, however, was not inclined to grant them an audience and instead took the form of a bull and fled to Kedarnath. The Pandavas pursued him and finally managed to corner him at Kedarnath, where they built the temple to worship him.
The temple's history is also linked to the great Indian philosopher and saint Adi Shankara. He is said to have visited Kedarnath during the 8th century and established the worship of Lord Shiva in the temple. He also wrote a famous hymn in praise of Lord Shiva, known as "Shiva Stotra," which is still recited by devotees today.
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries due to natural calamities, such as earthquakes and floods, and invasions by Muslim rulers. The present temple was reconstructed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, and recently in the year 2021 after the devastating flood of 2013. The temple complex is built in traditional architectural style and includes a number of smaller shrines and temples, as well as a large gompa (monastery) for the local priests.
Architecture
The temple's "Shikhara" (spire) is built in the North Indian style, while the walls and the base of the temple are built in the South Indian style. The temple has four faces, each with a "Trishul" (trident) and a "Damaru" (drum), the symbols of Lord Shiva. The temple also has a "Kalash" (sacred pot) on the top, which is also an important symbol of Lord Shiva.
The temple complex also includes a number of smaller shrines and temples, such as the "Samadhi" of Adi Shankaracharya, the "Vishwanath Temple," the "Bhairav Temple," and the "Ganesh Temple." The temple complex also includes a number of "Dharamshalas" (guesthouses) and "Bhandaras" (community kitchens) for the pilgrims.
The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the "Shiv Tandav" (dance of Lord Shiva), the "Ganga Aarti" (worship of the Ganges River), and the "Pandavas" during the Kedarnath Yatra. The temple also has a number of inscriptions in ancient Sanskrit, which provide valuable historical information about the temple and the region.
How To Reach
Kedarnath is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and can be reached by several means of transportation. The most common and popular way to reach Kedarnath is by road, as it is well connected by bus and taxi services.
By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 239 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Kedarnath.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh railway station, which is around 223 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Kedarnath.
By Road: Kedarnath is well connected by road and can be reached by bus or taxi from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Kotdwar.
For the last 14 km trek from Gaurikund, one can hire Ponies, Doli or one can trek on foot to reach the shrine.
It's important to note that the temple remains open only for a few months in a year due to the harsh weather conditions, and the trek to the temple can be challenging, so it's advisable to plan ahead and be well-prepared for the journey.
Best Time To Visit ?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is between the months of May and October, when the temple is open for devotees. During this time, the weather is relatively mild and the snow has melted, making it easier to trek to the temple.
May, June, and September are considered as the best time to visit, as the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are less. The monsoon season starts in July and goes on till August, during this time trekking can be difficult due to heavy rains and landslides. The temple is closed for the winter season due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold weather conditions.
It's important to note that the trek to Kedarnath can be challenging, as it is located at an altitude of 3,581 meter's above sea level. It's advisable to be well-prepared for the trek, and to check the weather forecast before setting out.
It's also worth noting that during the Char Dham Yatra, the temple is crowded with a lot of pilgrims and the queue to get darshan can be very long, so it's advisable to plan ahead and make arrangements for accommodation and other facilities.
Comments
Post a Comment