The Kedarnath Dham Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to the holy Hindu temple of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, India. The temple is a popular destination for Hindus who believe that visiting it will bring them blessings and good luck. Kedarnath Dham holds a special significance for people in Uttarakhand, who enjoy visiting it to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. The site is located in the upper mountain range, 3,584 meters above sea level; one of the twelve Jyotirlingams or divine light sources and also part of the famous Panch kedars, or a group of five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This also makes it one of the significant temples included in the Chota Char Dham Yatra, which are holy sites that receive many guests each year.
One can easily travel by car or bus to Kedarnath. The most popular trekking route is Gauri Kund. From there hikers need to cover 14 kilometers on foot in order to reach the temple. Accommodation is also available, with choppers providing panoramic views during peak season in Yatra.
The hard journey from the valley to the great shrine of Shiva is well-spent with the spiritual atmosphere that is created by the unruffled, tranquil, and splendid beauty of Kedarnath. Rugged peaks stand behind the temple alongside other peaks, forming a perfect setting for an ancient land of pure spirit. The conical-shaped Shiva lingam in the Kedarnath temple is unique in all of India.
Summers in Kedarnath is mild and enjoyable. It's the best time of year to pay a visit to the Kedarnath shrine and enjoy your favorite sightseeing spots. The weather remains mild with moderate temperatures during this time, so it's an ideal season for travel to this place.
Kedarnath, situated in Uttarakhand state, has monsoon seasons from July to August that sees heavy rainfalls and landslides.
Kedarnath is purposely closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfalls. Visitors in the area should know about the roads getting blocked by snowfall, which means that Kedarnath Temple isn't accessible for a period of time. Snowy landscapes are one of the major features of this time, adding to their beauty.
Haridwar to Kedarnath distance
The distance between Haridwar to Kedarnath by Road is 239 km
Delhi to Kedarnath distance
the Distance between Delhi to Kedarnath by Road is 452 Km
Rishikesh to Kedarnath Distance
the Distance between Rishikesh to Kedarnath by Road is 216 Km
The Pandavas were burdened with the guilt of killing their brothers and wanted to ask for forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Shiva didn't want to release them without giving something in return, so he disguised himself as a bull and wandered through the Garhwal Himalayas. In time, they found him and could only catch his hump. Different body parts of Shiva arrived at different places hidden below ground, Hump of the Bull was found in Kedarnath, the Navel emerged at Madhya-Maheshwar Forest, Two Forelegs appeared at Tunganath, the Face appeared at Rudranath Temple, and Hair came up at Kalpeshwar Temple. Together these five sacred places today are known as Panch Kedar. Originally it is believed that Pandavas built the temple of Kedarnath; however, Adi Shankaracharya rebuilt and revived its glory centuries later.
ROUTE
Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh-Devprayag - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Tilwara - Agastamuni - Kund - Guptkashi - Phata - Rampur - Sonprayag - Gaurikund - Trek to Kedarnath
BY AIR: Jolly Grant airport on Rishikesh-Dehradun road is the nearest airport to Kedarnath. Hire a taxi to Gaurikund or to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
BY TRAIN: Regular trains from Delhi to Haridwar and Dehradun are available at all times of the year. Hire a cab or get a bus from here.
BY BUS: Gaurikund is connected by motorable roads, and buses and taxis from important destinations like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarkashi and Tehri, Pauri, and Chamoli are easily available.
How is the Mobile Internet Connectivity in Kedarnath Dham?
With BSNL and Airtel telecommunications services, there are good mobile internet connectivity options in the Kedarnath Temple.
Q. How many minimum days are required to visit Kedarnath temple?
From Delhi, a minimum of 5 days is required to visit Kedarnath temple.
The legend goes that, “Nara and Narayana performed severe penance in front of a Shivalingam fashioned out of the earth”. Kedarnath is a well-known shrine for Lord Shiva devotees and Kedarnath temple history is almost more than 1000 years old. Legend says they requested Shiva to take up a permanent abode as Jyotirlingam. Kedareshwar is a place where the Pandavas sought Shiva’s blessings.
According to another legend, Goddess Parvati worshipped Kedaeshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. Bhairon is a temple dedicated to Bhaironathji who is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening & closing of Kedarnath Temple. The belief is that Bhairavnathji protects this land from evil during the time when the temple is closed. Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or the cosmic light.
The temple is over a thousand years old and is located in the Rudra Himalayas, northern India. It is home to the world's highest Jyotirlinga the Kedarnath lingam.
What is so special about Kedarnath?
Renowned for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath pilgrimage offers the joy of a devout center and the sizzles of an idyllic tourist spot. A serene place that is closely associated with the mighty Pandavas, upholds a beautiful legend of its own.
What is the unique of the Kedarnath temple?
With a very rich history of floods and stories, Kedarnath Mandir is known as one of the Char Dham pilgrimages of the Garhwal Himalayas. Kedarnath Dham is located in the highest place among the 12 Jyotirlingas. And situated at an astonishing height of 3584 meters above sea level near the head of the Mandakini River.
Who saw Kedarnath temple first?
Legend has it that the original Pandavas built the temple of Kedarnath and the present temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya, who restored the glory of the shrine in the 8th century A.D.
How old is Kedarnath?
In that essence, the incredible Kedarnath Temple which has stood the test of time is more than 1000years old. It is claimed by geologists that Kedarnath Temple was under the snow for 400 years during the Little Ice Age. The Little Ice Age constitutes the period between 1300-1900AD.
What is the famous food of Kedarnath?
Bhang ki Chutney: It is a very unique dish of the Pahari region of Uttrakhand and Kedarnath. As the name suggests that the main ingredient of this dish is Bhang seeds
