“Kedarnath Dham – History, Architecture, Significance and Location”

Introduction

Kedarnath is situated in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four dhams of India and one of the five kedars of Uttarakhand. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present in a peaceful and authentic place 3,583 meters above sea level near the Mandakini River around the snowy mountains. Many devotees and visitors come here from around the whole world to worship Lord Shiva. In this place they feel peace and calm and see beautiful mountain views from there.

History of Kedarnath Temple

1. Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. These are considered sacred for the people's.

2. According to mythology, the Pandavas visited the place where Kedarnath is present now to get Lord Shiva’s blessings after the Kurukshetra war.

3. It is believed that the Pandavas made here the shrine of the lord Shiva hump to worship it. 

4. In the 8th century Adi Shankaracharya built the whole outer structure of the shrine as a temple.

5. Adi Shankaracharya had used block interlocking techniques to make this temple.

6.After making the temple, it became an important spot for all devotees of Lord Shiva.

7. The Kedarnath Temple has been worshiped continuously for many centuries by the devotees. It has become a sacred place for all the people's.

8. The construction of this temple is so strong that the temple is standing right now without any damage from the floods or weather.

9. People believe that on visiting this temple, all the offenses are removed and our soul is filled with peace.

Architecture of Kedarnath Temple

1. Kedarnath Temple is built by using the big black stones without any material used to stick them.

2. The walls of the temple are three meters thick. It helps the temple to survive floods, earthquakes, landslides, and weather.

3. The Himalayan temple style is used on the temple with a square sanctum and a pyramidal roof upon it.

4. Inside the temple, there is a Shiva lingam known as Shiva's hump. It contains the divine powers.

5. The assembly hall of the temple contains much space for devotees to gather and worship Lord Shiva daily.

6. The temple is surrounded by the snowy mountains and constructed above sea level (3,583 meters). 

7. The professional artisans had crafted the temple's wall to be of simple design. These carvings reflect early Indian craftsmanship.

8. The doorway of the temple is beautifully decorated by using symbols and the figures of gods.

9. Heavy slabs are used on the roof to protect it from heavy snowfall or rain and Himalayan storms during the winter.

10. The temple's design shows its strength to live long for centuries in that type of mountain environment.

Story Behind the Temple

According to legends, after the great battle Mahabharata. The Pandavs went to the Himalayas to find Lord Shiva because they wanted to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the offenses of killing their relatives in the battle of Mahabharat. Lord Shiva avoided them and changed into the form of a bull to hide. Lord Shiva went to the Himalayas, but at last the Pandavas found him then. When the Pandavas recognized him, Lord Shiva tried to disappear into the ground. The strongest Pandava, Bhima, held the bull, but only its hump was left on the ground. They made a shrine at that spot to worship Lord Shiva and to show their devotion. Then in the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya built the whole temple as we know it as Kedarnath.

Environment of Kedarnath

1. Kedarnath is surrounded by snowy mountains. It gives a peaceful view and a calm natural atmosphere to the people's.

2. The Mandakini River flows beside the Kedarnath Temple. It makes the air fresh and full of peaceful sounds of the river.

3. During winter, the temple is fully covered by snow. We can see nature’s power and beauty together in this holy place.

4. The area of the temple has green valleys and forests in summer. These look so beautiful and authentic.

5. The high altitude of the place brings cold winds and cold weather to the place. 

6. Animals like mountain goats, snow leopards, and birds live in this beautiful place.

7. The environment remains clean because there is no way for vehicles to come to this place.

8. All the people's enjoy peaceful walks, an awesome sunrise view, and a close feeling to nature.

9. All the things Snow peaks, rivers, forests, and wildlife create an authentic, peaceful environment. It is fully filled with divine energy.

How to reach

1. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, which is about 239 kilometers away from the Kedarnath temple.

2. The closest railway station is Rishikesh, which is around 221 kilometers away, and it is connected by regular trains from major Indian cities.

3. From Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, travelers can take buses or taxis to the starting point to Kedarnath, which is Gaurikund. It is the base point of trekking.

4. The road ends at the Gaurikund because vehicles cannot go forward due to the steep Himalayan terrain and narrow paths.

5. At the Gaurikund, people walk or hire small horses and palanquins to cover the 16 Kilometre trek that goes to the Kedarnath Temple.

6. The helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and other points to save time and make the journey much easier for the people's.

7. The trekking route to Kedarnath is beautiful. This route passes through the waterfalls, green forests, and snowy mountain paths with authentic Himalayan views.

8. People's can take rest at the stops along the trek, where small shops are present, and people's can take food, tea, and basic medical help from there.

9. Good physical fitness and warm clothes are important to bring because of the high altitude, cold weather, and low oxygen levels.

10. The journey to Kedarnath is very challenging, but it gives travelers an experience. contains adventure, faith, and nature’s beauty.

Location of Kedarnath

1. Kedarnath is in Uttarakhand, India. It is at an altitude of 3,583 meters from sea level, surrounded by snowy Himalayan mountains.

2. The temple is present near the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag district. It gives visitors breathtaking mountain and valley views.

3. The location makes Kedarnath peaceful, away from city noise. It is perfect for meditation

FAQ's

Q1. Where is Badrinath located?

Ans. Badrinath is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Alaknanda River.

Q2. Who built the Badrinath Temple?

The shrine is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Q3. Which deity is worshipped in Badrinath Temple?

Ans. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Badrinarayan.

Q4. When does Badrinath Temple open and close?

Ans. The temple usually opens in April or May and closes in October or November every year.

Q5. How can travelers reach Badrinath?

Ans. Badrinath can be reached by road up to the temple. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun.

Q6. What is the height of Badrinath Temple?

Ans. The temple is located at an altitude of about 3,300 meters (10,800 feet).

Q7. What is the importance of Badrinath in Char Dham Yatra?

Ans. It is one of the four main pilgrimage sites of the Char Dham Yatra and holds great spiritual significance for Hindus.