About Kedarnath Temple
Location: The temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayan range next to the Mandakini River at a height of roughly 3,583 metres (11,755 feet) above sea level. Majestic snow-capped peaks, such as the Kedarnath mountain, encircle it.
Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, and it has a specific place in the Char Dham Yatra (Journey to the Four Abodes). Visits to Kedarnath and prayers made at the shrine to Lord Shiva are thought to be able to atone for sins and grant spiritual emancipation (moksha).
Legend: The Pandavas, the main characters of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, are connected to Kedarnath in Hindu mythology. It is thought that the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's blessings to atone for the crimes they had done during the epic Kurukshetra War. Lord Shiva changed into a bull and hid his form under the ground because he did not want to give them immediate darshan (sight). The temple was later built there after the Pandavas found the bull's hump, also known as the "hump of Lord Shiva".
The Kedarnath Temple is constructed in the conventional North Indian temple fashion. It is constructed with substantial stone slabs, and the main shrine is constructed from elaborately carved stone blocks. The temple has a stone shikara (spire) with a conical shape that can be seen from a distance. A modest sanctum sanctorum, which is where the lingam (a synaconic representation of Lord Shiva) is worshipped, is located inside the temple.
Accessibility: There is no direct road access to Kedarnath Temple. From Gaurikund, the final motorable point, pilgrims must walk for almost 16 kilometres (10 miles) to get to the temple. For individuals who would rather travel quickly, helicopter services are also offered. Depending on the weather, the temple is open from April/May through October/November.
The enormous spiritual and cultural significance of Kedarnath Temple draws tens of thousands of visitors and worshippers each year. It serves as both a place of devotion and a reminder of the Himalayas' spectacular natural splendour.
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