Amidst the mountainscapes of the majestic Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve ' Jyotirlingas' of Kedar or Lord shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3.581 mts. Above sea level on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus.

The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharate. According to legend, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins fafter the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repetedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed HE dived into the ground, leaving behind HIS hump on the surface. This conical protrusion is worshipped as the idol on the shrine. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped at four places the arms (bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukha) at Rudranath, naval (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. Together with Kedarnath, these places are known as the panch Kedar.

The lingam at Kedarnath is pyramidal, unlike its usual form. A statue o fNandi - the celestial bull stands at the entrance of the temple and exquisitely carved image adorn the interiors of the temple.

During the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow and hence is closed the ideal time to visit is between May to October. One can reach Kedarnath Through a 14 kms. Long trek from Gaurikund.

General Inforamation

Area : 3 sq. km.
Climate : Winter : Sep. to Nov. cold during the day and chilly at night
Summer : May - Aug. Cool during the day and cold at night.
Rainfall : 1.475 mm.
Best season : May to Oct. except monsoon
Clothing : Light woolens in summer Heavy woolens in winter
Language : Hindi, Garhwali and English

How To Get There

Airport : Jolly Grant, Dehradun ( 246 kms.)
Railhead : Rishikesh (229 kms.) Kotdwar (260 kms.)
Road : Approachable on foot (14 kms.) from gaurikund, which is connected by road to Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and kumaon region.

Prime Sites

Kedarnath Temple
The present temple, built in 8th entury A.D. by Adi Guru Shankaracharya lies adjacent to the site of an ancient temple built by Pandavas. The walls of the exquisitely architectured temple are embellished with figures of deities and seenes from mythology. The temple has a conical lingam - the main idol, a statue of Nadi - the celestial bull, a 'garbha griha' for worship and a 'mandap' for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old.

Shankaracharya Samadhi
Behind the kedarnath Teple lies the samadhi or the final resting place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It is believed, after establishing the four dhams in India, he went for his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.

Vasuki Tal (6 Kms)
A picturesque lake, 4.135 mts. Above sea level is encircled by lofty mountains and offers a coomanidng view of the Chaukhamba peaks.