The Kedarnath Temple: An Evergreen Religious Legacy of India
- Posted on February 2, 2023
- News
- By Akta Yadav
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Kedarnath Temple:-
The Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India situated amidst the Garhwal Range of the Himalayas in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at a height of 6940 meters. The Kedarnath Temple is 1200 years old and is believed to have been built by the Pancha Pandavas (5 Pandavs). It was Adi Shankaracharya who further established the Kedarnath in the 8th
The Kedarnath Temple Has Stood The Test of Time
Even though the temple is so old, the magnificent structure of the temple and the faith people have in the Kedarnath Temple has remained intact. It has been found by scientists that the Kedarnath Temple had remained covered with ice for 400 years, however, this did not harm the Kedarnath Temple’s structure in any way. Moreover in 2013, during the widespread and deadly floods in Uttarakhand, all buildings surrounding the Kedarnath Temple were wiped away with the flood waves, however, the Kedarnath Temple alone stood strong and unshaken. People of the region who had succeeded to reach the Kedarnath Temple’s shelter during the crisis had survived.
The Legend Behind the Kedarnath Temple
It is believed that the Pandavas prayed day and night to Lord Shiva and pleaded him to forgive them for killing their own relatives, however, Lord Shiva did not want to forgive them. One day, when Lord Shiva was roaming on the Garhwal hills in the guise of a bull, the Pandavas recognized him and tried to block his way. Lord Shiva as the bull started submerging himself into the soil in order to escape the Pandavas, however, Bheem caught hold of his hump. This bull hump forms a part of the Kedarnath Temple. The other parts of Lord Shiva were later found at other parts which formed other pilgrim spots.
Mystery of the Kedarnath Temple
The Temple remains open for visit by people for 6 months and remains closed during the remaining months from around mid- October to mid- April due to excessive snowfall in the region. However, the dates vary from year to year. Before shutting the doors of the Temple, the priests light a holy flame before the Shivling, and mysteriously, the flame is still found alight and it seems as if someone had just worshiped the Shivling minutes before. It is believed that the Gods visit the Temple during these 6 months to worship Lord Shiva and then the turn goes to the mortals to worship Lord Shiva.
Life of Saints at the Kedarnath Temple
Dozens of saints live around the Temple all year round dressed in colorful attires. They follow a strict and difficult lifestyle resembling the lifestyle of Lord Shiva. The winters seem to have no effect on these saints who remain drowned in their devotion to Lord Shiva.
How to Reach The Kedarnath Temple
The Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the closest airport to Kedarnath. The closest railway station is at Rishikesh. Buses to Kedarnath can be taken from Haridwar, Rishikesh or even Dehradun. After reaching Kedarnath, the way up to the temple is via a 16km trek starting from Gaurikund, however, mules, horses, donkeys and even human carriers are available for people who cannot trek at such a height or are disabled.
Best Time to Visit the Kedarnath Temple
The summer months are the best time to visit the Kedarnath , especially from May to June. It is always advised that people start their treks during the early morning hours in order to avoid the harsh afternoon sunlight.
Plans of The Uttarakhand Government Regarding The Kedarnath Temple
The Uttarakhand government in 2019 had planned to build a glass bridge over the Mandakini river starting from Rambara to Kedarnath, however, the plan could never be effectively implemented. Yet again in 2022, the Uttarakhand government has planned to launch an action plan to make the Char Dham travel plan of pilgrims possible. The Kedarnath Dham is one among the 4 other Dhams. However, yet again, no strategies on ground have not been announced.
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