Kedarnath

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Kedarnath

Kedarnath

Amidst the dramatic mountainscapes of the majestic Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ of Kedar or Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.

 

The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, HE dived into the ground, leaving behind HIS hump on the surface. This conical protrusion is worshipped as the idol in the shrine.The remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped at four other places - the arms (bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukh) at Rudranath, navel (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. Together with Kedarnath, these places are known as the Panch Kedar.

 

The lingam at Kedarnath is pyramidal, unlike its usual form. A status of Nandi – the celestial bull stands at the entrance of the temple and exquisitely carved images adorn the interiors of the temple.

 

During the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow and hence is closed. The ideal time to visit is between May to October. Kedarnath is reached through a 14 km. long trek from Gaurikund.

 

One among the holiest pilgrim centers in northern India, which is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters in the lap of the majestic mountain peaks, Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand boast of unparallel credentials in the religious arena. This scenic locale in the Gharwal region proffers an unruffled ambiance with it’s snowy peaks, alpine forests and colourful rhodendrons.

 

Renowned for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath pilgrimage offers the joy of a devout centre 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. It says that in order to evade from the Pandavas, Lord Shiva made himself hidden in the form of a bull here at Kedarnath, and when noticed by the Pandavas the lord drudge himself in to the earth leaving the hump on the surface.

 

It is not just temples and shrines that Kedarnath is famed for. This lovely land on the majestic backdrop of the lower Himalayas is naturally bestowed with some of the wonderful vistas of nature. These yet to exploit beauty spots are adorned with an aesthetic charm that provides the onlookers a mesmerizing and captivating feeling.

 

. Nestled in the midst of the imposing peaks of the Himalayas, this holy city with its breezy gentle wind offers an unflustered ambiance. Not only the pious but also those who love to conquer the rough terrain of Garhwal also visit this hilly terrain. The undulating landscapes of this snowy region offer delightful time of escapades. All most all the attractive locations are placed in a higher altitude, Kedarnath and its nearby fascinations proffer excellent opportunities to the brave and the courageous.

 

Kedarnath presents as a picturesque location, where one can feel the serenity and tranquility of nature in its full bloom amidst the sacred environs of holy shrines.

 

By Air : Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Kedarnath situated at a distance of 238kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Gaurikund..

By Rail : The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar. Haridwar Railway station is situated 216kms before Kedarnath on NH58. Haridwar is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Gaurikund.

By Road  : Gaurikund is the point where road to Kedarnath ends and an easy trek of 14km commence. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand and northern states of India. Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Gaurikund are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Chamoli etc. Gaurikund lies on National Highway 109 which connects Rudraprayag with Kedarnath.