Kedarnath is one among the holiest pilgrim center in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Char Dhams of the north. This serene place is closely associated with the mighty Pandavas. According to the legends, it is said that in order to evade from the Pandavas, Lord Shiva made himself hidden in the form of the bull here at Kedarnath, and when noticed by the Pandavas, the Lord drudge himself in to the earth leaving the hump on the surface. This lovely land on the majestic backdrop of the lovely Himalayas is naturally bestowed with some of the wonderful vistas of the nature. Kedarnath presents as a picturesque location, where one can feel the serenity and tranquility of nature in its full bloom midst the sacred environment of holy shrine.
How to reach here:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun which is 230 Kms away.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is at Rishikesh which is 221 Kms away.
Best time to visit: March to October
Languages spoken: Hindi, Garhwali and English
Must eat: Satvik food
Famous Restaurants: Options Limited.
Places you must visit:
Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by Pandavas and is almost 1000 years old. It was refurbished by Adiguru Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the idol is in the form of pyramidal linga.It is one of the 12 Jyotirlangas in the country and is revered highly.The statue of Nandi, the divine bull of Lord Shiva , stands at an entrance of the temple.The present temple encompasses a hall tahat has the images of Pandava brothers, Nandi, Veerabhadra and Lord Krishna.
Shankaracharya Samadhi - The famous Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya was a great scholar and saint who established four sacred Dhams in India and after that he went to his samadhi at an early age of 32. This samadhi poses as an idyllic and tranquil location to the devotees. The magnificent temple in the backdrop adds its serenity.
Bhairav Nath Temple holds much religious significance. It is believed that when the Kedarnath temple remains close during winter due to heavy snow fall, the deity in Bhairavnath temple guards the main temple complex. The legends says that this guardian deity of the Kedarnath temple is blessed with Vaishno Devi and whoever visits her holy abode will also pay their respect to Bhairav nath. The visit to Vaishno Devi is incomplete without the Darshan of Bhairav nath at Kedarnath.
Chorabari ( Gandhi Sarovar) is a picturesque lake situated near the main temple. The popular belief is that it was from here Yudhisthira endeavors his heavenly abode. This lake presents an awesome scenario of nature , which is really mesmerizing. The ice perched on the surface of this lovely lake makes an enthralling effect.
Vasuki Tal is one of the prettiest sights in Kedarnath. The glittering clear water lake is surrounded by lofty hills from all sides.It offers an ideal trek for courageous tourists.
Gaurikund - The trek to the Kedarnath temple begins from Gaurikund which is 14 Kms from here. There is a temple dedicated to Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva here. This place is also famous for its thermal springs believed to be infused by medicinal properties. It is believed that Gauri has meditated at this place.
Sonprayag is a tiny hamlet situated at the convergence of two majestic rivers , Mandakini and Basuki. The hoary mountain peaks and the gushing waters in the rivers attribute a majestic charm to this tranquil location. The devotees believe that the simple dip in this river would fetch them with high rewards.
Triyuginarayan is a place of mythological importance located 25 Kms from Kedarnath in a beutiful village of Rudraprayag. It is believe that Lord Shiva tied a nuptial knot with his consort Goddess Parvati at this place. The eternal flame which burns here even today is said to have been the witness to their marriage.This place is also famous for an old temple in the name of Lord Vishnu.
Guptkashi is famous for its Ardhanareeshwar and Vishwanath temples. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva makes himself hidden here for some time. Ardhanareeshwar is a divine concept that depicts the deity in the form of half man and half woman.The temple portrays Shiva as half male and half female.The temple has two streams of water , which symbolizes the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna.The entrance of the temple is guarded by the image of Nandi bull.
Deoria Tal is a lake of crystalline clear water that adds charismatic appeal to its beautiful surroundings. It is believed that it was this place where the mighty Pandavas were asked queries by Yaksha. The lake is surrounded in a soothingly inclined field bounded by a deep wood cover.
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