Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand | Pilgrimage Destination India

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand 

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is situated amidst the majestic Himalayas and surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests.

Significance of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Pandavas, the five brothers in the epic Mahabharata, performed penance and sought Lord Shiva's blessings at this place. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared before them and granted them their wishes. The temple is also believed to have been constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher, and reformer.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is also associated with the story of the origin of the Ganges river. It is believed that Lord Shiva, pleased with King Bhagiratha's devotion, released the Ganges from his matted hair at this place.

History of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

The history of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga dates back to ancient times. The temple is said to have been built in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya. The present temple was constructed by the Pandavas in the 12th century AD, but it was destroyed by the Muslim ruler Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century. The temple was later rebuilt in the 18th century by the Garhwal kings.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

The best time to visit Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is during the summer months, from May to June, and then from September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes are open. The temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

Spiritual Experiences at Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga offers a unique spiritual experience to its visitors. The temple is surrounded by natural beauty and offers a peaceful environment for meditation and contemplation. The devotees take a dip in the holy waters of the Mandakini river before entering the temple. The darshan of Lord Shiva is a profound experience, and the temple bells and chants create a spiritual atmosphere.

Things to Do in Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Apart from offering prayers and seeking blessings, there are many things to do in Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. The Kedarnath trek is a beautiful journey, and the scenic views of the Himalayas are breathtaking. The Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake, is also a popular trekking destination near Kedarnath. One can also visit the nearby temples of Madhyamaheshwar and Tungnath, which are also part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.

Accommodation and Food Options in Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

There are various accommodation options available in Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, ranging from budget guest houses to luxury hotels. The food options are limited, and one can find vegetarian food in the local dhabas and restaurants.

Safety Tips for Visiting Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is located at a high altitude, and visitors need to take proper precautions to avoid altitude sickness. It is advisable to carry warm clothes, medicines, and a first aid kit. The trek to Kedarnath is steep and challenging, and visitors need to be physically fit to undertake the journey. 

Hidden facts about Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand:-

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and is located in the state of Uttarakhand. Here are some hidden facts about this sacred place:

According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, and it is believed that the temple was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD.

Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest Shiva temples in the world.

The temple is only accessible by foot, and the trek to Kedarnath is considered to be one of the most challenging pilgrimages in India. The trek starts from Gaurikund, which is 16 km from Kedarnath.

The temple is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and is located near the source of the Mandakini River, which is considered to be a holy river.

The lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) in the temple is not man-made, but a natural rock formation in the shape of a pyramid. It is believed to be self-manifested and has been worshipped for centuries.

The temple is open for only six months a year, from April to November, due to heavy snowfall in the region during the winter months.

The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several species of flora and fauna, surrounds the temple. The sanctuary covers an area of 975 square km and is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The temple complex also houses a samadhi (memorial) of Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have attained samadhi at Kedarnath.

Kedarnath is part of the Char Dham Yatra, which is a pilgrimage to four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand. The other three shrines are Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

In June 2013, Kedarnath was hit by a catastrophic flood that caused massive destruction in the region. However, the temple survived the flood, and the shrine was reopened to pilgrims in 2014 after extensive reconstruction work.

How to travel by road to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand, and the nearest bus stand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is a popular pilgrimage destination in Uttarakhand, and it can be reached by road from different parts of the state. The nearest bus stand to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is Gaurikund, which is about 16 kilometres away from the temple.

One can reach Gaurikund by taking a bus from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, which are well-connected to major cities in North India. Buses run regularly from these cities, and the journey takes around 8-10 hours depending on the starting point.

Private taxis and shared cabs are also available from these cities to Gaurikund. One can hire a taxi or a shared cab from the taxi stand near the bus stand. The journey by taxi takes around 6-7 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.

It is important to note that the road to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is steep and narrow, and it is not advisable to drive your own vehicle. It is recommended to hire a local taxi or take a shared cab from Gaurikund, which is the last point accessible by road. From there, one can trek to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, which is a distance of around 16 kilometres.

It is also advisable to check the latest road conditions and weather forecasts before starting the journey, as the road can be affected by landslides and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

How to travel by train to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand and the nearest railway station

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is a popular pilgrimage destination in Uttarakhand, and many visitors choose to travel by train to reach the nearest railway station and then continue their journey by road. The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, which is located at a distance of around 216 kilometres.

Rishikesh is well connected to major cities in India through a network of trains. Some of the popular trains that run between Rishikesh and other cities include the Dehradun Express, Haridwar Express, and Yoga Express.

Once you reach Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath. The journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath takes around 8-9 hours by road, and the route passes through scenic landscapes and beautiful mountain ranges.

Alternatively, you can also travel to the nearby town of Dehradun, which is around 239 kilometres away from Kedarnath. Dehradun is also well connected to major cities in India through a network of trains, and once you reach Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.

It is advisable to plan your journey in advance and book your train tickets and transportation in advance, especially during peak season when the demand is high. Also, make sure to check the latest guidelines and travel restrictions before planning your visit to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga.

How to travel by air to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand and the nearest airport

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is a popular pilgrimage destination in Uttarakhand, India. Although there is no airport in Kedarnath, the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located approximately 240 kilometres away from Kedarnath.

The Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Once you reach Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kedarnath. The journey from Dehradun to Kedarnath takes approximately 10 to 12 hours, depending on the mode of transport.

Another option is to take a helicopter from Dehradun to Kedarnath. The helicopter service is available from Phata, which is located approximately 20 kilometres away from Kedarnath. The helicopter journey from Phata to Kedarnath takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges.

It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as the demand for tickets can be high. Also, due to weather conditions, helicopter services may not be available during certain times of the year. Therefore, it is advisable to check the latest updates before planning your travel.

In conclusion, traveling by air to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga requires reaching the nearest airport, the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and then taking a taxi or helicopter to Kedarnath. While the journey may be long and challenging, the spiritual and natural beauty of Kedarnath makes it a pilgrimage destination that is worth the effort.

FAQs

Q.1 What is the best time to visit Kedarnath Jyotirlinga?

The best time to visit Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is from April to November when the weather is pleasant and the temple is open for visitors.

Q.2 How can I reach Kedarnath Jyotirlinga?

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the nearest railway station is Rishikesh, and the town is well connected by road.

Q.3 What should I wear during the pilgrimage to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga?

It is advisable to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes during the pilgrimage as the temperature can drop drastically, and the terrain can be challenging.

Q.4 Are there any restrictions on visiting the Kedarnath Temple?

Yes, there are some restrictions on visiting the Kedarnath Temple. It is advised to check the latest guidelines before planning your visit.

Q.5 Is photography allowed inside the temples?

Photography is generally not allowed inside the temples, but some temples may allow it with certain restrictions. It is advisable to ask before taking any pictures.