Kedarnath Temple - The Celestial Jyotirlingam
Amidst the remarkable mountainscapes of the majestic Kedarnath array stands one with the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Kedar or Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. around the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath and Kedarnath yatra is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for that Hindus.
Kedarnath Temple Kedarnath is a majestic sight, standing in the center of a broad plateau surrounded by lofty snow coated peaks. The present temple, constructed inside the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an before temple constructed through the Pandavas. The internal partitions of the assembly hall are embellished with figures of numerous deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue with the Nandi Bull stands as guard.
Devoted to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is mentioned to become more than a one thousand many years aged. Constructed of very huge, major and evenly reduce gray slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs were handled in the previously days. The temple features a " Garbha Griha" for worship along with a Mandap apt for assemblies of pilgrims and guests. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva type.
Place
Kedarnath is located in the Uttar Kashi district with the northern state of Uttaranchal. Extremely near to the Indo-Chinese border, it truly is the supply with the Mandakini River. It's couched within the scenic locales with the Garhwal Himalayas at 3583 meters over sea degree. It is really chilly in the winters using the ground getting coated with snow. In the summers, the mercury barely crosses the 20°C mark. The location experiences about 150 cm of rainfall during the monsoons and so the top time for you to pay a visit to is between Might and October. Kedarnath is near to Rishikesh (234 km) and Dehradun (250 km).
Mythological Myth
Legend has it that when the Pandavas sought penance next the fantastic war of the Mahabharata they came seeking Lord Shiva. Arriving at this site they identified that Shiva had elusively taken the form of a bull. Bhim the strongest with the Pandavas went soon after Shiva who dived deep in to the ground. Only Shiva's tail was left in Bhim's hand. This spot is identified since the Kedarnath and is also considered the primary Kedar. The remainder of Shiva's physique emerged at four other locations in Garhwal - Tunganath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar and Rudranath.
You'll find Four Other Kedars
• Madhyamaheshwar
• Tunganath
• Kalpeshwar
• Rudranath
Three of those (barring Kalpeshwar) are in mountain meadows at greater altitudes than Kedarnath. The climb to Rudranath is the most strenuous although really worth the trouble, as this meadow is one of the finest in Garhwal.
These 5 Kedars are worshipped as Panch Kedars
Tungnath
Tungnath TempleShiva's arms came out at Tungnath. The Tungnath temple is at an altitude of three,680 m and may be the best Shiva shrine amongst the Panch Kedars. Nonetheless it truly is the simplest to attain from Chopta, the nearest road head.
Rudranath
Shiva's encounter is worshipped at the Rudranath temple. It truly is about 2,286 m over sea degree and is also 23 km from Gopeshwar. 5 km of the length is motor able and 18 km is on foot. The trek passes via wild orchards and picturesque bugyals (meadows) and involves trekking over substantial ridges (occasionally four,000 m). The temple internet site supplies magnificent views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghungti, Trishuli and numerous other peaks. You will find numerous holy kunds or ponds close to the Rudranath temple like Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund. The whole location is utterly enchanting and unmatched in scenic elegance. Anusuya Devi temple is situated about the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3km.
Pilgrimage Sights in Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple
The current temple, built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Guru Shankaracharya lies adjacent to the web site of an ancient temple developed by Pandavas. The partitions with the exquisitely architectured temple are embellished with figures of deities and scenes from mythology. The temple has a conical lingam - the main idol, a statue of Nandi - the celestial bull, a 'garbha grab' for worship plus a 'mandap' for assemblies of piligrims and guests. The temple is thought to become far more than one thousand years aged.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
Powering the Kedarnath Temple lies the samadhi or even the last resting location of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It's considered, soon after building the four dhams in India, he went for his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.
Excursions
Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar) (two kms.)
A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest with the Pandavas, is thought to own departed to heaven. The floating ice within the sparkling waters with the lake can be a interesting sight.
Vasuki Tal (6 kms.)
A picturesque lake, 4,135 mts. above sea degree is encircled by lofty mountains and offers a commanding watch with the Chaukhamba peaks.
Gaurikund (14 kms.)
The trekking base to Kedarnath. A temple devoted to Gauri and thermal springs of medicinal value are noteworthy.
Sonprayag (twenty kms.)
The confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers. The street to Triyuginarayan diverts from here.
Triyuginarayan (twenty five kms.)
A five kms. trek from Sonprayag, it's the mythological venue of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.An eternal flame, which can be mentioned to have been a witness towards the marriage, uses up in entrance of the temple even today.
Guptkashi (49 kms.)
The temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath are noteworthy.
Ukshimath (60 kms)
Winter season home with the deity with the Kedarnath Temple along with the seat with the Rawal of Kedarnath.
Agastyamuni (73 kms.)
Famous for that temple devoted to sage Agastya.
Chandrashila (93 kms.)
The Chandrashila peak supplies a uncommon watch of snow-clad peaks. The rhododendron Forests and alpine meadows dominate the trek fromTungnath to Chandrashila.
Deoria Tal (68 kms.)
Sari village could be the last bus terminus on Chopta-Ukhimath road from where a two kms. trek leads to Deoria Tal. This lovely lake at an altitude of two,438 mts. provides the spectacular reflection of snow capped peaks in the lake water. Perfect spot for angling and bird observing.
Accessibility
Airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun (251 kms.)
Rail
Rishikesh (234 kms.)
Kotdwar (260 kms.)
Road
Approachable on foot from Gaurikund, that is linked by road to Rishikesh, Kotwar, Dehradun, Haridwar as well as other critical hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
An Essential Be aware
Throughout the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow and hence is closed. The perfect time to check out is in between Might to October. Kedarnath is reached by means of a 14 km. Lengthy trek from Gaurikund.
|
