Kedarnath Dham is one of the major pilgrimages and holiest shrines in India located in Uttarakhand. It is perched at a height of 3,584 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedarnath is also one of the four shrines of the popular Char Dham Temples, which also include Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath. Moreover, it is one of the twelve jyotirlingas in India.
The history of Kedarnath Dham dates back to the Mahabharata era. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas, after winning the Kurukshetra war, wanted to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sins committed during the war. Lord Shiva, being displeased with the Pandavas, took the form of a bull and went into hiding in Kedarnath. Later, when the Pandavas found him, he disappeared, leaving behind his hump at the site of the temple. And, that’s why in Kedarnath, the hump of the bull is worshipped.
The Kedarnath Temple is an architectural marvel that showcases the distinctive style of North India. Crafted from grey stones or slabs that are carefully interlocked using iron clamps, this temple stands tall without any mortar holding it together. What makes this temple even more remarkable is its centrepiece - the magnificent Kedarnath - which boasts of an irregular shape and is accompanied by a pedestal measuring 3.6 metres (12 feet) in circumference and height. And if that's not enough, visitors can also explore a small but stunning pillared hall located in front of the temple, adorned with captivating images of Parvati, Lord Shiva's consort, and the five Pandava princes. A visit to the Kedarnath Temple is an experience that is bound to leave you in awe of its incredible beauty and craftsmanship.
The temple is open only for six months, from April to November, due to extreme weather conditions, it remains closed in the winter. The idol is transferred to Ukhimath where Kedarnath Ji stays from December to April.
Kedarnath is accessible through Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun as these three places are well-connected with other major cities of India and Kedarnath by road, train and air, respectively. However, whatever transport the devotees choose, the last motorable road is up to Gaurikund and they have to trek for at least 14 km to reach the temple. Though, pony rides and heli services are available.
Top Places to Visit Nearby Shri Kedarnath Dham
- Guptkashi
- Chopta - Tungnath
- Triyuginarayan
- Kalimath Temple
- Ukhimath
- Rudranath
- Madhyamaheshwar
- Rudraprayag
- Dhari Devi Temple
Guptkashi: Guptakashi is a town located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River and is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan ranges. The town is considered to be a holy place for Hindus and is known for its ancient temples and religious significance. Guptakashi is also a popular base for trekking expeditions to Kedarnath Temple. The town is located at a distance of around 23.5 km from Kedarnath and serves as a starting point for the trek.
Chopta – Tungnath: Nestled in the pristine hills of Uttarakhand, India, lies the magnificent trekking destination of Chopta Tungnath. This awe-inspiring trek takes you on a journey to the highest temple of Lord Shiva, the Tungnath Temple, which sits atop an altitude of 3,980 metres above sea level. Starting from the charming village of Chopta, surrounded by verdant meadows and dense forests, the trekking trail winds through the thick alpine forests of rhododendron and deodar trees. The stunning views of the mighty Himalayas will leave you breathless as you trek towards the temple.
Triyuginarayan: Located in the picturesque village of Triyuginarayan, near Guptkashi in Uttarakhand, stands the revered Triyugi Narayan Temple - a testament to the rich Hindu heritage of the region. This ancient temple is considered one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds a special significance as it is believed to be the site of Lord Shiva's divine wedding to Goddess Parvati. Also known as Akhand Dhuni Temple, this sacred site is home to a never-ending fire that has been burning since the time of the divine wedding. The temple's courtyard is also the origin of Saraswati Ganga, a stream that feeds three bathing ponds nearby.
Kalimath Temple: Another popular place in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, the Kalimath Temple holds great significance in Hindu mythology. As one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, the temple is devoted to the worship of the divine goddess Shakti, and is considered a highly revered shrine by Hindus. Interestingly, the upper part of the idol at the temple is worshipped at the Dhari Devi Temple, while the lower part is known as the Goddess Kali. The temple's spiritual energy is believed to be extremely potent, drawing countless devotees from all across India who come to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess.
Ukhimath: With lush green forests enveloping the region and the magnificent Himalayan Mountains towering in the background, Ukhimath is a sight to behold. Its unparalleled beauty and spiritual significance have made it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. The Omkareshwar Temple is a significant attraction in Ukhimath, dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the winter months, the Utsava idols from Madhyamaheshwar and Kedarnath Temples are brought here for worship. This temple serves as a focal point of religious and cultural celebrations, attracting devotees from all over the world.
Rudranath: Rudranath is one of the Panch Kedar temples situated at a height of 3,600 metres in Uttarakhand. The significance of Rudranath lies in its belief of being the divine site where Lord Shiva's face manifested, making it a revered pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The temple is enveloped by lush green forests and is encircled by breathtaking natural beauty that adds to the spiritual experience of the devotees.
Madhyamaheshwar: Madhyamaheshwar is another shrine among Panch Kedar temples. The temple is located in Gaundar village in Uttarakhand and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva’s nabhi or navel is worshipped and that’s why the temple is named Madhyamaheshwar. The temple is perched at a height of 3,490 metres amidst snow-capped Himalayan ranges. The temple houses a black stone made navel shaped Shiva Lingam behind which the old temple is located.
Rudraprayag: One of the panch prayags, Rudraprayag is situated at the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda Rivers. The town is located in Uttarakhand and named after Lord Shiva, as it means “the place where Lord Shiva is worshipped.” Rudraprayag is a famous destination for pilgrims who take the spiritual journey to Kedarnath and Badrinath, as it is located on the way to these temples. The town boasts of wonderful scenic beauty which also attracts travellers from around the country throughout the year.
Dhari Devi Temple: The Dhari Devi Temple boasts an unparalleled aura of serenity and natural beauty, making it an absolute must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas. Believed to be one of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas and constructed over 3,000 years ago, this hidden gem is located in the Garhwal region, between Rudraprayag and Srinagar. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Dhari, the temple is unique in that her upper half is enshrined within the temple while her lower half is venerated in Kalimath as a manifestation of the fearsome Goddess Kali.
Top Things to Do around Kedarnath
Apart from being an influential spiritual place for people of Hinduism, Kedarnath is also a place for adventure junkies who love to experience trekking, camping and peak climbing.
Trekking: The Kedarnath trek is one of the most popular treks in India. It starts from Gaurikund and takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes of the Himalayas. The trek is about 14 km long and can be completed in one day or two days depending on your fitness level. You will come across stunning views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls on the way.
Camping: Kedarnath is surrounded by beautiful meadows and forests, which make it an ideal location for camping. You can set up your campsite near the Kedarnath Temple or along the trekking route. Camping in Kedarnath will give you an opportunity to experience the beauty of nature up close and also witness some amazing sunrises and sunsets.
Peak Climbing: If you are an experienced mountaineer, you can try your hand at peak climbing in Kedarnath. There are several peaks in the region, including Thalay Sagar, Bhagirathi III, and Kedar Dome, that are popular among climbers. The peaks are challenging and require technical expertise and proper gear. You can hire a guide and equipment from local tour operators.