Kedarnath Temple is considered one of the most pious pilgrimage destinations in India. It is a Hindu temple (shrine) dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kedarnath Temple is recognized as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (the holiest Hindu shrines of Lord Shiva). It is the highest temple among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Kedarnath Temple is part of Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri), considered the most sacred religious place by the Hindus.
Every Hindu is expected to perform the Yatra at least once in their lifetime to get rid of their sins and achieve the ultimate goal of human life – the Moksha, i.e., freedom from the cycle of birth & death in this world.
Here, we share with you Kedarnath Temple History and Images. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Where is Kedarnath Temple?
The Kedarnath Temple has been located on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.
This temple is open to the general public between April (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima). The town remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
During this time, the idol is taken to Ukhimath at Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand, where the priests perform the worship for six months until its return to Kedarnath.
Here, Lord Shiva is being worshipped in the form of ‘Lord of Kedarkhand’ as Sadashiv.
The temple is not directly accessible by road. It has to be reached by 22 kilometers (14 mi) uphill trek from Gaurikund.
Who Built Kedarnath Temple?
According to famous Hindu legends, the Pandavas of the Mahabharata era built the original temple of Kedarnath. However, the present temple (shrine) was established by Guru Adi Shankaracharya, who restored its glory in the 8th century A.D.
How old is Kedarnath Temple?
The Kedarnath Temple is about 1200 years old. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The structure itself is a masterpiece that has been built from large, heavy, and evenly cut grey slabs of stones.
The majestic Kedarnath peak (6940 meters) and other Himalayan peaks add to its scenic beauty.
Here, Lord Shiva has been represented in conical Shiva lingam and is worshiped in his Sadashiv form. There is the “Garbha Griha” for worship and even a “Mandap” for the assemblies of pilgrims and visitors.
The Legend of Kedarnath Temple
Historically this region is known as “Kedar Khand.” The legend goes that the Pandavas (from the Mahabharata epic) were facing guilt for defeating the Kauravas and killing so many people in the battle.
So, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. They undertook penance at Kedar Khand.
However, Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. It is said that the Lord dived into the ground and left his hump on the surface at Kedarnath.
The remaining portions of the Lord were found at four other places and have been worshipped as his manifestations.
The arms of the Lord showed up at Tungnath. The face of the Lord appeared at Rudranath. The belly appeared at Madmaheshwar, and his locks (hair) appeared at Kalpeshwar.
The Kedarnath and these four mentioned shrines form the revered Pancha Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
Kedarnath Temple from Inside
The Kedarnath Temple is an architectural marvel in itself and represents the peak of ancient Hindu architecture.
It is said that the temple has been built between the 9th and 11th centuries. It has been built from massive blocks of mountain rocks.
You can find a series of stone steps leading up to the temple. The temple premises are spread out in an area of 3 sq. km.
There is an idol of Nandi cow placed right in front of the temple, which adds to the beauty of this temple.
The insides of the Kedarnath temple are built in a typical Indian Hindu temple style. There is a prayer hall and a Garbha Griha or an inner sanctum.
The idol of Lord Shiva is in the form of an irregular triangular rock that is worshipped by the pilgrims.
The walls inside the temple have decorated carvings and engravings that have been dedicated to various gods and goddesses like Parvati, etc. The insides exhibit the ancient aura and are well preserved and remain intact. There is another tiny, golden sculpture of Nandi (cow) found when you enter the temple.
Overall, the Kedarnath Temple will definitely rejuvenate your soul.
Kedarnath Temple Images/Wallpaper
Here, we have compiled some breathtaking Kedarnath Temple Images/Wallpaper. You will get to witness the beauty and splendor of the Kedarnath Dham in these images.
Located at the height of 3,584 meters, this Hindu temple shrine celebrates the greatness of Lord Shiva.
Look at this Kedarnath Temple Images/Wallpaper and experience the beauty and majesty of this pious and holy destination located in the Garhwal Himalayan range of Uttarakhand, India.
Kedarnath Temple Flood 2013
Between June 13 and 17 in the year 2013, the state of Uttarakhand received an unusual amount of rainfall which led to the melting of the Chorabari glacier and the eruption of the Mandakini River.
The Kedarnath Temple Flood 2013 caused massive landslides, resulting in resident’s and tourists’ death and extensive property damage.
Kedarnath Temple also bore the brunt of nature’s fury.
However, the shrine survived.
It was reported that a massive boulder blocked the path of the water and saved the temple from being washed away in the floods.
It was not less than a miracle that the Kedarnath Temple survived the floods of 2013. It stands tall and continues to attract the devout to this day.
Best time to visit Kedarnath
April to June is recognized as the best time to visit Kedarnath. During this time, the weather here is soothing and warm, and you can move around comfortably. In fact, the venue opens the doors for devotees in the months of summer, which is the best period to visit Kedarnath.
Well, now we have reached the end of this post on Kedarnath Temple History and Images. We hope that you would have found the post beneficial. Thanks for visiting us at HindUtsav.
