Welcome to top 10 Interesting Facts about Kedarnath. The holy land of Kedarnath, a destination awakening with natural beauty, and for millions of devotees, with immense spiritual significance. Nestled amidst the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the holiest places in India and an important pilgrimages' destination in Uttarakhand. Being part of Holy Chardham Yatra, Kedarnath has become an attraction for worldly guests in search of solace and enlightenment.
Herein, we bring forth 10 interesting facts about Kedarnath that are sure to leave you spellbound. So sit back, relax, and get ready for a journey through time and spirituality. But, you will feel like visiting this temple during your Luxury Chardham Yatra Package. When you will read more interesting facts about Kedarnath Temple.
Legends abound about the creation of Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest shrines in India. According to Hindu mythology, devotees believe that Lord Shiva himself chose this spot to establish his abode and bless devotees with his divine presence.A legend goes that after the great war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas wanted to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for their sins committed in the battle. Thus, they traced him everywhere but were found nowhere, until finally Bhima identified him disguised as a bull grazing in the nearby field. The Pandavas recognized Lord Shiva and tried catching him, but he disappeared into the ground leaving behind only his hump.
Another legend goes that Kedarnath was originally built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. He reestablished a lot of ancient temples throughout India and rejuvenated Hinduism in his time. So, the story goes that he rediscovered Kedarnath Temple buried under snow and restored its glory.Whatever one chooses to believe, there can be no denial that Kedarnath holds an important place in Indian spirituality and history alike! Visit Kedarnath during Chardham Yatra Package from Haridwar.
Bhairo Nath is considered to be the guardian deity of Kedarnath. As per the mythology, he was a Rakshas who attacked Lord Shiva who was in the form of buffalo. Later, Bhairo Nath realized his mistake and begged for forgiveness from Lord Shiva.In turn, Lord Shiva gave him the title of "Kshetra Palaka"-the protector of the holy land. Therefore, Bhairo Nath is considered and worshipped as a guardian by the devotees of Kedarnath Temple.
During the winter season, when the temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, the idol of Bhairo Nath is taken to Ukhimath village. Where it is kept during the period the temple is shut and returns back to Kedarnath in May when it starts again for the pilgrims.They believe worship of Bhairo Nath before visiting Kedarnath will keep them safe during the journey and stay at this sacred site. Other examples of his importance include a few rituals performed in the temple premises, offering flowers to his idol or coconuts inside the temple premises.
Bhairo Nath has been an integral part of Kedarnath's history and continues to hold immense importance among its devotees even today. Highest among all the Shiv temples in India, which is 3,583 meters above sea level. The Kedarnath temple is located on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river and is one of the most major destinations for pilgrimage in Hindus.The architecture is quite different from other temples, for it seems to show its importance and greatness. Its high wall of stones, with their carvings standing tall among the peaks of snow, forms a beautiful scene to see. This is very famous temple to visit while Chardham yatra package from Delhi.
Visitors coming to Kedarnath seek a bleed not only for blessful reasons but also to admire nature's beauty and feel spiritual enlightenment. Many trekking enthusiasts love to visit this serene spot for its extraordinary geographical setting.What further adds to the wonderment of the place of worship is the fact that Kedarnath Temple also ranks highest in elevation in India among all Shiv temples. Standing tall among other major religious hotspots of the world, this temple remains crowded by people from across the globe who either want to pay their respects or catch a glimpse of its divinity.
Uttarakhand is predominantly known as Devbhumi-land of gods. A state in northern India that proudly boasts of some of the holiest Hindu temples and shrines in the country. Among such places of pilgrimage, Kedarnath is one of the major destinations in the country.The Kedarnath Temple, situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters above sea level, is devoted to Lord Shiva. A visit to this temple is believed to wash away all sins and ultimately provide salvation or moksha from the cycle of birth and death.
Kedarnath hosts thousands of pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra Package from Haridwar, which also encompasses Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath. The yatra starts in April-May and ends in November with a closing ceremony popularly known as "Kapat Bandhana".To reach Kedarnath, the journey of trekking goes through beautiful mountainscapes amidst the snow-capped peaks, crossing rivers like Mandakini River, and crossing serene valleys with full of wild flowers. Large numbers of pilgrims are attracted to this site to seek divine blessings every year, despite its difficult terrain.
The Main pujari is not North Indian; instead, he comes from Karnataka. One of the most interesting things that stand out in Kedarnath Temple is that the main pujari or priest hails not from North India but from Karnataka. This again shows the diversity and inclusiveness of Hinduism as a religion.The present head priest of Kedarnath Temple is Shri Vageesh Lingachar. He joined in as a chief priest of the temple in the year 2012 and has earned much respect for his dedication and service.
Though it may sound incredible for the first time, it should be noted that Hinduism does not differentiate any person based on their geographical location or even caste. Any person is allowed to become a priest, that is, leading others in spiritual activities, provided one is devoted and demonstrates an understanding of the same.The temples in India have priests from all over the country. All these factors contribute towards the richness of Hindu culture.Interesting enough to note that even being in one of the remotest areas of India, Kedarnath Temple is still gathering people from all over the world. These include priests like Shri Vageesh Linga char with different backgrounds and traditions.
Kedarnath Temple, situated in the ranges of Himalayas, is a part of Uttarakhand State in India and has several natural catastrophes in its long history. One of the incidents happened around four centuries ago when Kedarnath Temple was buried under snow for approximately 400 years.The myth goes that during that time, the devotees were not able to access the temple as it was bedecked with snow. As recently as the early 20th century, the temple was rediscovered when a team of explorers cleaned the snow and found this temple intact.
When Kedarnath Temple was dug out after all those years of being covered with snow, people all over India were excited, especially Hindu devotees who saw it as a miracle.These tragic happenings did not refrain the people from visiting this holy shrine even today with much devotion. Even though there is a lot of trouble caused on the way to the temple- extreme weather conditions, rain, sliding of rocks from mountains. It inspires millions of pilgrims who make these strenuous journeys to catch a glimpse and blessings from Lord Shiva at Kedarnath Temple.
Consequently, the source of Kedarnath is especially connected with roots from Hindu mythology and legends. According to one such legend, after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas reached here seeking Lord Shiva's blessings and redemption for their sins. However, Lord Shiva did not want to meet them because they had killed their own kin in the war. Thereby, he took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull.
When the Pandavas traced him, they tried clutching his tail to catch him. But Lord Shiva disappeared into the ground, leaving behind a hump at Kedarnath. The temple was built over this hump and it emerged as one of the most important places of worship for the Hindus.
Another legend has it that Adi Shankaracharya visited the place during his tours across India. And gave it its divine importance as a pilgrim destination for his followers.The geological history of Kedarnath adds to the mystique-it was formed due to tectonic movement caused by the collision between two ancient continents, namely Gondwana and Laurasia, millions of years ago.
It was due to this reason that the origin of Kedarnath Temple represents historical and mythological importance. And hence has always been awesome for all visitors in receiving spiritual solace amidst scenic beauty.
The construction of Kedarnath Temple is an interesting story that dates back to the 8th century. According to tradition, in the early years of his spiritual journey, Adi Shankaracharya built a temple. He saw a site where Lord Shiva once appeared in the form of jyotirlinga and decided to build a temple.While the original structure was of stone and wood. Falling into disrepair with time. As it has been in a location particularly subjected to extreme weather conditions. It was reconstructed by Raja Bhoj Pal using marble and granite in the 17th century.
It stands on an elevated platform with heavy stone slabs beneath. Its walls show very fine carvings depicting mythological scenes taken from the Hindu epics. Its roof consists of copper sheets topped by an imposing spire, commanding a fine view of the surroundings.Situated in the Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple has gone through all types of natural calamities-earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc. It survived all these disasters over centuries and is still standing strong only because it is based. On a solid foundation; its construction technique being solid and strong also contributed to the same factor. By ancient architects who designed the temple with the topography, climatic condition, and availability of stones and woods in mind.
A very interesting feature of Kedarnath Temple is its unique lingam. People believe that Lord Shiva himself comes to worship here. People believe it to be a natural rock formation in the shape of a lingam. As against other lingams made out of stone or metal.The lingam in the temple is about 3.6 meters in height and has a circumference of 5.7 meters. Signifying the formless Lord Shiva and his power as infinite.
According to legend, when the Pandavas were searching for Lord Shiva to beg for forgiveness. For their war against the Kauravas, they traced him only in Guptakashi. Where he was masked in the form of a bull. But being discovered by Bhima, who lifted up the bull before attacking it. Lord Shiva retreated into an underground cave below Guptkashi. Where he transformed himself into a naturally formed rock in the shape of a phallus or 'linga'. Which can now be seen at Kedarnath.
It is very exciting to note that this special lingam lay buried under the snow. For a continuous period of almost four centuries between AD 850-1540. And still was found whole and intact with no damages.People from all parts of India visit here every year just to have a glimpse. And receive blessings from this unique form of Lord Shiva's representation. The serene surroundings coupled with such fascinating legends make visiting Kedarnath temple even more special!
Kedarnath Temple not only has its unique lingam but also some great idols that adorn it. The main idol of Kedarnath is a conical stone of Lord Shiva in the form of Sadashiva. The height of this idol is roughly 3 feet, and it forms one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.Apart from them, there are other idols, such as Uma Devi, Ganesha, and Nandi. Which exist and are enclosed within the temple complex. These idols add to the spiritual ambiance of the place and make it even more divine.
On the walls of Kedarnath Temple are various sculptures depicting different mythological stories associated with Lord Shiva. These carvings had been intricately made and have withstood the test of time through centuries.Scores of devotees come to Kedarnath each year to offer their prayers. And to catch a glimpse of these beautiful idols at close quarters. According to the devout, praying before these 'sacred' idols will bring in good fortune and fulfillment into one's life.In addition, some beautiful idols inside the Kedarnath Temple add to its glory and significance. As a major pilgrimage destination in India.
The Kedarnath Temple is not only a place for religious importance. It connotes the very pivot of Indian history and culture. Counted among the most-visited pilgrimage sites in India, it attracts several thousand devotees every year. With time, the temple has undergone several renovations, but it still stands tall as a symbol of devotion and faith.
Some interesting facts about the Kedarnath Temple make it quite different from all other temples in India. From being buried under snow for centuries to its protection by Bhairo Nath. Being one of the major destinations of Chardham Yatra Tour Package from Delhi. It is an essential part of any spiritual tour that is undertaken to Uttarakhand.We conclude this article with the hope that we were able to provide some interesting tidbits. About Kedarnath Temple and would encourage our readers to visit this holy shrine. At least once in their lifetime for unparalleled beauty and spirituality.