Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest among the four Char Dham Temples in Uttarakhand, is situated amidst the scenic beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. Located at 3583 m above sea level, near the Mandakini River, Kedarnath Temple is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kedarnath Temple of Shiva in Uttarakhand India
Built in the 8th century by Jagat Guru Adi Shankaracharya, this famous Chardham pilgrimage site is situated next to a temple built by the Pandavas of Mahabharat. Kedarnath Temple opens for only 6 months in a year from the last week of April to the first week of November due to the heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions.
The Samadhi Mandir of Jagadguru Adi Shankara is situated behind the Kedarnath Temple.
Temple Timings
The temple opens only 6 months a year (April - November) when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries and it is closed when the sun enters Scorpio. Then the idol is taken to Ukhimath, where the worship is continued during the winter season.
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is about 234 km from Rishikesh and 250 km from Dehradun. Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun. Nearest railheads are Rishikesh and Kotdwar (260 km). The motor-able road to Kedarnath Temple ends at Gaurikund and from there pilgrims have to trek 14 km to reach Kedarnath Shrine. Gaurikund is connected by road to Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
Read More Details about How to Reach Gaurikund Here
Tourist Spots near Kedarnath
Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar) is a small lake situated about 2 km from Kedarnath. Vasuki Tal, another charming lake is about 6 km. Gaurikund (14 km) is the trekking base to Kedarnath and has a temple dedicated to Gauri. Sonprayag (20 km) is the confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers.
Triyuginarayan (25 km) is a 5 km trek from Sonprayag. It is the mythological venue of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Guptkashi (49 km) with temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath are noteworthy sites. Besides, Ukhimath (60 km), Agastyamuni (73 km), Chandrashila Peak (93 km), Deoria Tal (68 km) are also worth visiting.
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hi i'm planning to visit the Chardham in this year. Can you suggest me a suitable time? When it is better to visit? Is it better to take a tour package which is advertising on the internet or try to visit these holy shrine by yourself
ReplyDeleteHi Abanish,
ReplyDeleteThe Char Dham Yatra 2009 started this year from April to October. The 4 holy shrines will be open this year until October 2009 only. Hence if you wish to visit the Chardham shrines, it is a good idea to book through any of the tour packaging companies.
The main advantage of booking through Char Dham Yatra Tour Companies is that you dont have to worry about the routes and any other details. As they will arrange bus bookings, hotels reservation etc, almost everything.
However if you are quite knowledgable about the routes and hotels to stay, then you can visit the shrines by yourself.
This is my suggestion only. The ultimate decision is in your hands.
Wishing you all the best in Chardham Yatra 2009. God Bless :)
Regards,
AbhilashMS
Am planning a trip to Kedarnath this weekendand would like to get the following info. Appreciate any and all help.
ReplyDeleteHow much time would be take to drive from Hrishikesh to Gaurikund?
What would be the expected temprature at Gaurikund and Kedarnath temple.
Is there a provision to stay ( dharamshala etc..) at the Kedarnath temple.
Can we camp in around Kedarnath temple?
Hi Apurwa,
ReplyDeleteYou can get answers to your questions here
http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2009/05/gaurikund-trekking-base-to-kedarnath.html
Thanks,