Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a place where heaven meets earth, where spirituality meets adventure, where nature meets culture? If yes, then you should definitely plan a trip to Kedarnath temple, one of the most sacred and spectacular shrines of Lord Shiva in India.
Kedarnath temple is located in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. It is one of the four pilgrimage sites of Char Dham Yatra, which are considered to be the holiest destinations for Hindus. Kedarnath temple has a rich history and legend that dates back to thousands of years. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself chose this place as his abode after the great flood that destroyed the world.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kedarnath temple and its surroundings. We will cover the religious and cultural aspects, the travel details and the nearby attractions of this divine destination. We will also give you some tips and tricks to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. So, let’s get started!
Kedarnath Temple: A Sacred Shrine of Lord Shiva
The name Kedarnath means “the lord of the field” in Sanskrit. It refers to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Kedar Nath or Kedar Kanta. According to legend, Lord Shiva was pleased with the devotion of the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, and granted them a boon. He asked them to build a temple for him at a place where he would appear as a bull. The Pandavas searched for him all over the Himalayas and finally found him at Kedarnath, where his hump was visible. They built a temple there and worshipped him.
The architecture and design of Kedarnath temple are unique and impressive. The temple is built in a typical Himalayan style with stone walls and a conical roof. The temple has a single hall with a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), where the idol of Lord Shiva is enshrined. The idol is made of black stone and depicts Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form, with five faces and eight arms. The idol is also adorned with flowers, jewellery and clothes by the priests.
The temple also has a mandapa (assembly hall), where devotees can sit and pray. The mandapa has a large statue of Nandi, the bull mount of Lord Shiva, facing the garbhagriha. The temple also has a sabha mandapa (prayer hall), where various rituals and festivals are performed. The sabha mandapa has a silver-plated door with intricate carvings of Lord Shiva and other deities.
The rituals and festivals at Kedarnath temple are very special and auspicious. The daily puja (worship) at the temple starts at 4 am and ends at 9 pm. The main puja is the Rudrabhishek (ablution), which involves offering milk, water, honey, curd, ghee and flowers to Lord Shiva while chanting his names and mantras. The Rudrabhishek is believed to bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the devotees.
The most important festival at Kedarnath temple is Mahashivaratri (the great night of Lord Shiva), which falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February-March). On this day, devotees observe fasts, perform night-long vigils and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The festival commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as his manifestation as a lingam (symbolic phallus).
Another major festival at Kedarnath temple is Badri-Kedar festival, which is a joint celebration with Badrinath temple, another pilgrimage site of Char Dham Yatra. The festival lasts for eight days in the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) and involves cultural programs, musical concerts and spiritual discourses by renowned saints and scholars. The festival also showcases the rich heritage and diversity of Uttarakhand.
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple: A Journey of Faith and Adventure
Reaching Kedarnath temple is not an easy task, but it is definitely worth it. The journey to Kedarnath temple involves travelling by air, rail or road to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to the temple. Gaurikund is about 223 kilometers from Dehradun airport, 250 kilometers from Haridwar railway station and 450 kilometers from Delhi. The road route to Gaurikund passes through scenic towns and villages such as Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Guptkashi.
From Gaurikund, the trek to Kedarnath temple is about 16 kilometers long and takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete. The trek is challenging but rewarding, as it offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, sparkling waterfalls and serene lakes. The trek also passes through sacred sites such as Rambara, Garur Chatti and Bheembali, where devotees can take rest and refresh themselves.
The trek to Kedarnath temple is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires physical fitness, mental stamina and spiritual devotion. The trek can be done on foot, by horse, by palanquin or by porter service. However, the best way to experience the trek is on foot, as it gives a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The trek can be done in one day or two days, depending on the preference and pace of the trekkers.
For those who want to avoid the trek altogether, there is an alternative option to reach Kedarnath temple by helicopter service. The helicopter service is available from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi helipads, which are about 30 to 40 kilometers from Gaurikund. The helicopter service takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Kedarnath temple and costs about 4,000 to 5,000 rupees per person. The helicopter service is subject to weather conditions and availability of seats.
Find out more about approximate budget for a trip to Kedarnath.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple: A Seasonal Guide
The best time to visit Kedarnath temple depends on various factors such as weather, crowd, budget and preference. Kedarnath temple has a cold and harsh climate throughout the year, with average temperature ranging from -20°C to 20°C. The temple receives heavy rainfall and snowfall during monsoon and winter seasons, which makes it inaccessible and risky for visitors.
The temple is open for visitors only for six months in a year, from April or May to October or November. The opening and closing dates of the temple are determined by the priests based on astrological calculations. The opening date coincides with the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya (the third day of the bright fortnight in the month of Vaishakha), while the closing date coincides with the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj (the second day after Diwali). On these dates, special rituals and ceremonies are performed at the temple to mark the beginning and end of the pilgrimage season.
The best time to visit Kedarnath temple is during summer season, from April or May to June or July. This is the peak season for pilgrimage, as the weather is pleasant and clear, with temperature ranging from 5°C to 18°C. The summer season also coincides with some important festivals such as Mahashivaratri and Badri-Kedar festival, which attract thousands of devotees from all over the country.
The second best time to visit Kedarnath temple is during autumn season, from September or October to October or November. This is the off-season for pilgrimage, as the weather is cold and cloudy, with temperature ranging from -5°C to 15°C. The autumn season also coincides with some important festivals such as Dussehra and Diwali, which add more charm and color to the temple.
The worst time to visit Kedarnath temple is during monsoon season, from July or August to August or September. This is the closed season for pilgrimage, as the weather is rainy and foggy, with temperature ranging from -10°C to 10°C. The monsoon season also brings landslides, floods and roadblocks, which make it dangerous and difficult for visitors.
The winter season, from November or December to March or April, is also a closed season for pilgrimage, as the weather is snowy and freezing, with temperature ranging from -20°C to 5°C. The winter season also covers the temple with thick layers of snow and ice, which make it inaccessible and invisible for visitors.
Where to Stay in Kedarnath Temple
Finding a comfortable and affordable accommodation near Kedarnath temple is not a problem, as there are plenty of options available for visitors. There are hotels, lodges, camps and tents that offer basic facilities and amenities such as rooms, beds, bathrooms, heaters, blankets and food. However, visitors should not expect luxury or comfort at these places, as they are meant for temporary stay only.
The hotels and lodges near Kedarnath temple are located within a radius of one kilometer from the temple premises. They charge about 500 to 2,000 rupees per night for a double room.
Some of the popular and recommended hotels and lodges near Kedarnath temple are:
Hotel Kedar Palace: This is a budget hotel that offers clean and cozy rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water, heaters and blankets. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves vegetarian food. The hotel is about 500 meters from the temple premises.
Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas: This is a mid-range hotel that offers spacious and comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water, heaters and blankets. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The hotel is about 800 meters from the temple premises.
Hotel Himalayan Comforts: This is a luxury hotel that offers deluxe and super deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water, heaters, blankets and LCD TVs. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves multi-cuisine food. The hotel is about one kilometer from the temple premises.
The camps and tents near Kedarnath temple are located within a radius of two kilometers from the temple premises. They charge about 300 to 1,000 rupees per night for a double tent.
Some of the popular and recommended camps and tents near Kedarnath temple are:
GMVN Camps: These are government-run camps that offer basic and hygienic tents with mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows and blankets. The camps also have common bathrooms, hot water, heaters and dining halls. The camps are about one kilometer from the temple premises.
Kedar Camp Resort: This is a private camp resort that offers premium and luxury tents with attached bathrooms, hot water, heaters, blankets and LED lamps. The resort also has a restaurant that serves organic food. The resort is about 1.5 kilometers from the temple premises.
Himalayan Eco Lodge: This is an eco-friendly lodge that offers eco tents with attached bathrooms, hot water, heaters, blankets and solar lights. The lodge also has a restaurant that serves local cuisine. The lodge is about two kilometers from the temple premises.
Nearby Destinations from Kedarnath Temple: A Tour of Himalayan Wonders
Kedarnath temple is not only a divine destination, but also a gateway to explore the Himalayan wonders. There are many attractions and activities that can be enjoyed in and around Kedarnath town, which is surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks and glaciers.
Here are some of the popular and must-visit places near Kedarnath temple:
Sonprayag: This is a small town that lies at the confluence of two holy rivers, Mandakini and Basuki. It is about 5 kilometers from Gaurikund and 20 kilometers from Kedarnath temple. Sonprayag is considered to be a sacred place for taking a dip in the river and performing rituals. It is also a base camp for trekking to Triyuginarayan temple, which is believed to be the site of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Vasuki Tal: This is a high-altitude lake that lies at an elevation of 4,150 meters above sea level. It is about 8 kilometers from Kedarnath temple and can be reached by a steep and rocky trek. Vasuki Tal offers a panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains, such as Chaukhamba, Mandani and Sumeru. The lake is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, such as alpine flowers, herbs and birds.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: This is a memorial site that marks the place where the great philosopher and saint, Adi Shankaracharya, attained his final liberation. It is located behind Kedarnath temple and can be reached by a short walk. Shankaracharya Samadhi is a place of reverence and respect for the followers of Advaita Vedanta, the school of thought propounded by Shankaracharya. The site also offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for meditation and contemplation.
Chorabari Lake: This is a glacial lake that lies at an elevation of 3,900 meters above sea level. It is about 3 kilometers from Kedarnath temple and can be reached by an easy trek. Chorabari Lake is also known as Gandhi Sarovar, as some of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed here. The lake reflects the image of the Kedarnath peak and changes its color according to the time of the day. The lake is also a source of the Chorabari glacier, which feeds the Mandakini river.
Bhairav Temple: This is a small temple that is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who is considered to be the guardian deity of Kedarnath temple. It is located about 500 meters from Kedarnath temple and can be reached by a downhill walk. Bhairav Temple is worshipped by the locals as well as the pilgrims, who believe that Lord Bhairav protects Kedarnath temple from any evil or harm. The temple also offers a splendid view of the valley and the mountains.
Kedarnath temple is also a part of Char Dham Yatra, which is a pilgrimage circuit that covers four sacred sites in Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath. These sites are dedicated to four different aspects of Hinduism: Vishnu, Shiva, Ganga and Yamuna. Visiting these sites is believed to wash away one’s sins and grant salvation.
There are many attractions and activities that can be enjoyed in the other three pilgrimage sites of Char Dham Yatra, which are:
Badrinath: This is a temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Badri Narayan or Badri Vishal. It is located in Chamoli district, at an elevation of 3,133 meters above sea level. It is about 233 kilometers from Kedarnath temple and can be reached by road or helicopter service. Badrinath temple has a colorful facade and a gold-plated dome that shine in the sun. The temple also has a hot spring called Tapt Kund, where devotees take a bath before entering the temple. [Badrinath Temple]
Gangotri: This is a temple that is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, who is revered here as Gangotri or Ganga Maiya. It is located in Uttarkashi district, at an elevation of 3,100 meters above sea level. It is about 243 kilometers from Kedarnath temple and can be reached by road or helicopter service. Gangotri temple has a white marble structure and a silver-plated door that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple also has a sacred stone called Bhagirath Shila, where King Bhagirath prayed to bring Ganga to earth. [Gangotri Temple]
Yamunotri: This is a temple that is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is worshipped here as Yamunotri or Yamuna Devi. It is located in Uttarkashi district, at an elevation of 3,293 meters above sea level. It is about 232 kilometers from Kedarnath temple and can be reached by road or helicopter service. Yamunotri temple has a black stone idol of Yamuna, which is adorned with garlands and clothes. The temple also has a hot spring called Surya Kund, where devotees cook rice and potatoes as offerings to the goddess. [Yamunotri Temple]
If you want to visit Kedarnath temple and the other three sites of Char Dham Yatra, you can plan and book a Char Dham Yatra package that includes all the travel details and arrangements. A typical Char Dham Yatra package lasts for about 10 to 12 days and costs about 20,000 to 30,000 rupees per person. The package includes transportation, accommodation, food, guide, permits and taxes. The package also covers some other destinations and attractions along the way, such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Uttarkashi and Guptkashi.
There's a lot more to do in Dehradun, check out the list here.
Conclusion
Kedarnath temple is a divine abode in the Himalayas that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. It is a place where you can witness the glory of Lord Shiva, the beauty of nature and the culture of Uttarakhand. It is also a place where you can explore the Himalayan wonders and visit the other sacred sites of Char Dham Yatra.
If you are looking for a spiritual and adventurous trip that will enrich your soul and mind, then you should definitely visit Kedarnath temple and its surroundings. You can book a package with Tripoto, which will take care of all your travel needs and arrangements. You can also contact Tripoto for any queries or updates.
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