Kedarnath is an ancient and magnificent temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range, is over a thousand years old, built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform.
Ascending through the massive grey steps resulting in the holy sanctums we discover inscriptions in pali on the steps. The present temple was designed by Adi Shankaracharya.
The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of varied deities and scenes from mythology. in line with legends, the Pandavas wanted the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharatam.
Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and whereas fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath within the type of a bull.
On being followed, he dived into the bottom leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door, an outsized sculpture of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. it’s at this point, that the doors of the temple are thrown hospitable pilgrims, who flock from all elements of Bharat, for a holy journey
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Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector, and the destroyer.
The doors to Kedarnath’s portals will be opened for devotees on 25th April 2023 at 6:30 a.m.
Pooja Timings & Price:
- Kedarnath Morning Puja (4 AM to 7 AM)
- Evening Archana & Path (6 PM to 7:30 PM)
| Name | Price (INR) |
| Maha Abhishek | 1700 |
| Rudra Abhishek Puja | 1300 |
| Sodasopachar | 1000 |
| Morning Puja | 170 |
| Balbhog | 900 |
| Shiv Sahasranamam Paath | 360 |
| Shiv Mahimastrotra Paath | 360 |
| Shiv Thandavastrotra Paath | 340 |
| Sampurna Aarti | 1500 |
| Entire Pujas of a day | 5200 |
NOTE: ABOVE PRICE FOR SINGLE PERSON ONLY
Fast Facts:
- Elevation: 3,583 m (11,755 ft)
- Deity: Kedarnath, Lord of Kedar Khand (Shiva)
- District: Rudraprayag
- Weather: The average temperature is around 17°C.
- Address: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445
- Timings: 4 am to 9 pm
- Photography: Not allowed
- Entry Fees: Nil
Astonishing Facts about the temple:
1. Eternally protected by the Divine!
As if the location of Kedarnath Mandir itself is not a testimony to its invincibility, here’s another fact to reinforce that belief. During the 2013 floods which left nothing but utter devastation in its wake, the temple remained surprisingly intact.
According to accounts of eyewitnesses, a massive boulder somehow clung itself to the rear portion of the massive temple. This saved the temple from complete destruction. You may doubt the veracity of those accounts, but certainly, the possibility of a divine intervention in this particular event cannot be ruled out.
2. Bhairo Nath Ji is always on the guard!
Kedarnath Temple, which is a divine destination in the Himalayas, is always protected by Bhairon Nath Ji, whose temple lies in close proximity. Bhairo Nath Ji, who is regarded as the guardian of the temple, is also known as the “Kshetrapal”. He is the fiery avatar of Lord Shiva and is associated with devastation and destruction.
According to the popular belief, Bhairon Nath ji drives away evil spirits and keeps the temple free from any kind of damage. Also known as Bhairon Baba Mandir, it is located to the south of Kedarnath Temple. In fact, it is interesting to know that those who visit Kedarnath Temple are also required to visit the Bhairon Baba ka Mandir as part of the ritual.
3. There is an unusual pyramid lingam
Well, you will heart of it, and see it too, while visiting Kedarnath Temple. First time devotees are always surprised at the sight of a lingam which is pyramid-shaped. But then, isn’t everything about this temple extraordinary? The story of how this lingam came to acquire its present shape is also a fascinating one.
According to a mythological tale in one of the epics of Hinduism, Mahabharata, Lord Shiva eluded the Pandavas when they sought his forgiveness after the war. Running away from them, he reached Kedarnath, where he disguised himself in the form of a bull.
However, even though he planted himself in the ground, his tail was left exposed in the process. Bheem, the strongest of the Pandava brothers, grabbed the bull by the tail, with the intention of pulling him out. In the struggle that followed, the face of the bull was transported to Nepal, leaving only its hump behind.
This hump then rose above the ground just like a lingam. Since then, it has been worshipped just like any other lingam across the country, even though it’s the only one of its kind.
4. Not just a temple, but a part of Panch Kedar
Kedarnath Temple is part of the Panch Kedar. It refers to the five holy places dedicated to Lord Shiva, all of which are located in the Garhwal Himalayas. Not just that, those deciding to go on a pilgrimage to Panch Kedar have to do so in a strict chronological order.
Devotees embarking on a Chota Char Dham of Himalayas pilgrimage are expected to visit Kedarnath first, followed by Tungnath, then Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar, and finally Kalpeshwar.
Not just that, each of these pilgrimage sites have a special significance attached to Lord Shiva. Tungnath, for example, is associated with Lord Shiva’s hands, and Rudranath with his face. Madhyamaheshwar is where Lord Shiva’s stomach and navel are found, while Kalpeshwar is associated with his head.
5. Something special about the priests here!
Another interesting fact which you should remember while visiting Kedarnath is that the rituals are performed by members of a special community. The head priest of the temple, who is called a Rawal, belongs to the Veera Shaiva Sangam community of Karnataka.
Here is the interesting part though. The Rawal, or the head priest, does not perform the rituals inside the temple. He delegates this responsibility to his assistants.
During the winter season, the Rawal shifts his base to Ukhimath along with the main deity. The temple consists of five head priests, and each of them is offered the title of a head priest by rotation. The pooja itself is performed in the Kannada language.
It is a custom that has been followed in the temple for hundreds of years. What also lends the rituals a great historical value is a fact that they are performed in much the same manner as they were in the 10th century.
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6. The highest of all 12 Jyotirlingas
The Kedarnath Temple, standing at an impressive height of almost 3583m, is the highest of all Jyotirlingas in India. The construction of the temple seems even more unbelievable when we take into account its unbelievable height.
7. An example of marvelous engineering!
As far as the architecture of the Kedarnath Temple is concerned, it is simply a piece of marvelous engineering. Its impressive dimensions are a testimony to that. It stands at a height of almost 3583m and is believed to have been constructed almost a thousand years back.
One of the interesting facts about Kedarnath Temple is that it was built from enormous slabs of stone and raised on a rectangular platform about 6ft high. The use of interlocking technique for the stones is especially fascinating. The walls of the temple are supposed to be about 12ft thick in diameter.
The inner walls of the assembly are adorned with engravings of various mythological deities. Its brilliant style of construction is also believed to have been a major factor in its remaining quite safe during the devastating 2013 floods.
How To Reach Kedarnath Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport, Jolly Grant, is situated at a distance of about 239 km from Kedarnath. One can take a taxi or a bus from the airport. Helicopter services have been started by the government from Phata to Kedarnath.
By Rail:
Rishikesh depot is the nearest depot from Kedarnath, at a distance of 216 kilometre. This depot is well connected to major cities and cities of the country.
By Road:
Kedarnath is well connected to New Delhi and Dehradun by road network. You need to know that Gaurikund is the last motorable road from Kedarnath from Kedarnath. From there, it is a trek along the Himalayas
Where to stay:
Kedarnath Cave: The cave fits one person only which makes sense because meditation is hard when someone is breathing down your neck. You can book your stay online at Kedarnath Cave through the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) website.
The price is INR 990 for one night. you will have a bed, butler, phone, and wi-fi inside the cave to make your stay comfortable to a basic extent. Not to forget the surreal views of the valleys and mountains.
Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us..
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