About Kedarnath Temple
Around 1200 years old, Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is situated at an elevation of 3583 metres above sea level. This incredible temple is situated on the banks of river Mandakini which originates from glaciers near Nanda Devi and travels through Kinner Kailash. The temple was originally built by Pandavas and is said to be around 1200 years old. The deity has been named “Kedar Nath” after its builder who was also known as Kedar Nath or Gopinath due to his bravery in war battles against foreign invaders like the Mughals etc.
The main deity has been installed inside an octagonal structure made out of granite stones with four doors leading into its sanctum sanctorum where two images representing Shiva & Parvati stand facing each other on either side respectively; while lord Vishnu & goddess Lakshmi is seated behind these two deities respectively; all these three deities represent creation process through a union between male & female principle which enables them to create everything including heaven/earth etc.
Kedarnath Temple History
Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be sacred shrines and pilgrimage sites by Hindus. The temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD at a height of 3584 m above sea level. The temple has been visited by many kings and queens such as Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka Gupta emperor etc., who came here for offering prayers to Lord Shiva regularly on Fridays or Saturdays respectively during their reigns from 326 BC onwards till their fall from power in 250 BC respectively (Ashoka’s grandson Pushyamitra sent him back after he had taken away his daughter).
Kedarnath Architecture
Kedarnath Temple is a beautiful example of ancient Indian architecture. The temple is made up of grey stone with a square shape, and it has an imposing statue of Lord Shiva in its main hall. The temple has been decorated with murals from different periods, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology as well as Christian artisans who decorated this place during its construction time (from the 12th century onwards).
Kedarnath is built in the shape of a square, with four entrances on each side. It has an octagonal tower on its eastern side and two additional spires on its southern and northern corners. The main entrance faces east towards the sun rising over the Vindhyachal mountain range (or Vindhya). The temple’s entrance porch has a large monolithic image of Lord Shiva that has been carved out of black granite stone by Adi Shankaracharya himself
Kedarnath Dham is a Hindu holy town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temple was built by Pandavas after they visited Kedarnath on their way to heaven following their victory over evil forces at Kurukshetra during the Mahabharata war.
Best Time To Visit
It is suggested to visit Kedarnath during summer (April to June) when the temperature is moderate. The temperature is generally between 15-30 degrees Celsius.
Places To Visit Near Kedarnath Temple
The incredible valley of Kedarnath is amongst the most notable pilgrimage sites that are beautifully nestled in the district of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. This majestic temple fascinates devotees from all walks of the country to pray and worship the deity Lord Shiva. Some of the best places to visit near Kedarnath Temple include:
- Shankaracharya Samadhi: This landmark is dedicated to the eighth-century sage, Adi Shankaracharya and is just a 1-minute walk from the Kedarnath Temple.
- Vasuki Tal: The beautiful 8 km trek from the Kedarnath Temple, Vasuki Tal is a breathtaking lake, situated at the height of 14,638 feet.
- Rudra Meditation Cave: Lies just 1.5 km from the main Kedarnath Temple complex, Rudra Cave is an underground meditation cave that is also known as the Dhyan Gufa.
- Chorabari Tal: Also referred to as Chorabari Bamak Glacier and Gandhi Sarovar, the total time taken from Kedarnath Temple to this place is just 4 km.
- Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for the alluring flora and fauna species, the sanctuary is located in the Chamoli district, just 2 km away from the Kedarnath Temple.
Other Popular Temples To Explore In Uttarakhand
Established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century as a pilgrimage site, Badrinath Temple is visited by devotees of all faith from all over the country. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is amongst the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.
Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, the Gangotri Temple is amongst the highest temples dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This pilgrimage site is believed to be the origin of the holy river Ganga and was built during the 18th century by the Nepalese General Amar Singh.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Haridwar Temple is another must-visit Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. It is believed that during the 1st century BCE, king Vikramaditya constructed the Har Ki Pauri Ghat. The temple is situated on the banks of the holy Ganges river.
Lies in the Nainital District, Uttarakhand, the Mukteshwar Temple is another prominent Hindu shrine in the state that is visited by thousands of pilgrims around the year. The temple was built by Pandavas in the hope of getting salvation from their difficult life.
The highest Panch Kedar temple in India, the Tungnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and the foundation was laid by Arjun, the third Pandav brother. The temple is situated atop the Tungnath peak in the Garhwal Himalayas.
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