Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand – Timings, History & Travel Guide
Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu sacred site located in Uttarakhand. This ancient temple glorifies Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve famed Jyotirlingas. It is also an important destination on the Char Dham Yatra, a spiritual journey that many people from India and throughout the world undertake each year. Thousands of visitors come here to pray, and experience the strong spiritual energy of the mountains. The mountains are calling with stories — ready to uncover them?
Sacred Heights: Where Is Kedarnath Temple Located?
Kedarnath Temple is in the RudraPrayag district of Uttarakhand, a state in northern India. It is situated at a stunning altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, in the Garhwal Himalayan range, near the Mandakini River. The temple is not easily accessible by road and requires a 17-kilometer uphill climb from Gaurikuṇḍa.
The Timeless Architecture of Kedarnath – The story of stone:
The architecture of Kedarnath Temple is a remarkable example of old stone masonry in the Himalayas. The temple is constructed from massive, evenly cut grey stone slabs that are placed without mortar, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and resistance to time and environment. The main sanctum houses a unique triangular-shaped lingam that measures roughly 12 feet in both circumference and height, distinguishing it from normal spherical Shiva lingams found elsewhere.
In front of the Kedarnath Temple, there is a small hall featuring images of Parvati and the Five Pandavas. At the entrance, you’ll see statues of Lord Krishna, the Pandavas, Draupadi, Nandi (Shiva’s bull), Virbhadra, and other Hindu gods. A huge statue of Nandi stands outside the temple’s entrance. Inside the temple, there is a conical rock construction dedicated to Sadashiva, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple also features a Garba Griha for prayer and a Mandap for visitors.
The Name “Kedarnath”
There is no reliable documentation of its original construction. The name “Kedarnath” is derived from Sanskrit—’Kedara’ meaning field and ‘Natha’ meaning lord and represents “the Lord of the Field,” where the crop of liberation is believed to develop.
The Five Temple of Shiva – The Legacy of Panch Kedar:
After the war of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas were burdened by the sins of violence. Seeking eternal life, they surrendered their power and travelled north in quest of Lord Shiva. Shiva, however, refused to meet with them and transformed himself as a bull, hiding in the Himalayan forests near Gupta kashi. Bhima observed the heavenly bull grazing in the field and quickly grabbed its tail and legs. The bull tried to get away before falling into the ground, but Shiva’s heavenly presence returned in five distinct forms across the Garhwal Himalayas: his hump rose at Kedarnath, arms at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, stomach at Madhya Maheshwar, and hair at Kalpeshwar. Humble and religious, the Pandavas built temples at these sacred spots, which are now worshiped.
They later performed penance at Kedarnath, including a yagna, before traveling the holy path – Mahapanth to freedom. Even today, pilgrims complete the Panch Kedar pilgrimage before seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings in Badrinath, which concludes their spiritual journey. Though the Mahabharata makes no mention of Kedarnath, the Skanda Purana describes Shiva releasing the Ganges’ holy waters from his matted hair at Kedara, thereby making the site precious.
Centuries later, Adi Shankaracharya is thought to have restored the Kedarnath temple, and local tradition holds that he attained Mahasamadhi in its mountainous surroundings. The Kedarnath Tirth Purohits are ancient Brahmin families who claim family rights to temple worship that have been passed down since the period of Nara-Narayana and Daksh Prajapati. These priests, along with the Rawals of South India and local Jamloki Brahmins, continue to practice the rituals of worship.
The temple and its surrounds are strongly related to the Pandavas, with tales claiming that King Pandu died at Pandukeshwar and Yudhishthira went to heaven from a peak known as Swargarohini. A small Shiva Linga, believed to have been installed by Yudhishthira, and the legend of Bheema doing puja of Lord Shiva with ghee after a battle, continue to influence temple traditions today.
According to English mountaineer Eric Shipton, one old tradition talks of a single priest who used to serve both the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples, journeying across the sacred Himalayan landscape every day out of devotion.
Temple Administration:
The Kedarnath Temple is regulated under the Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Mandir Act, which was originally passed by the Uttar Pradesh government and later revised by the Uttarakhand government in 2002. A 17-member board administers the temple, which includes members of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, local district councils, and state government applicants. Aside from the Raval, three more priests assist with temple duties: Naib Rawal, Acharya/Dharmadhikari, and Vedpathi. A Chief Executive Officer heads the administration, assisted by officers in charge of operations, accounts, temple management, and publicity, to ensure that the temple runs smoothly throughout the year.
2013 Floods and Temple’s Survival:
Heavy rains and the flooding of Chorabari Tal caused severe flooding in Kedarnath in June 2013, resulting in massive damage. A massive rock, today known as “Bheem Shila,” got stuck behind the temple and protected it from destruction by blocking the floodwaters. While the temple stayed secure, the surrounding area was destroyed, and many people lost their lives. Experts determined that the temple’s structure is still strong.
The Path to the Peaks – How to Reach Kedarnath:
Kedarnath, located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, is a well-known Lord Shiva religious place. To reach Kedarnath, visitors must first arrive at Gaurikund, the last motorable location. Gaurikund is accessible by road from large towns such as Delhi and Dehradun, via Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Sonprayag. The Kedarnath Temple is located 16 kilometers uphill from Gaurikund. For those who are unable to trek, horse rides, palkis, and helicopter services are offered from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi. The temple is open from April/May to October/November, subject to weather conditions.
Why Kedarnath Isn’t Just a Temple?:
In my opinion, visiting Kedarnath is more than just a religious trip; it is a spiritual experience that remains with you. The beautiful mountains, strong chanting, and deep sense of devotion make it an unforgettable destination. Whether you come for faith, nature, or personal meditation, Kedarnath welcomes all hearts with pure energy and divine peace
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