Shri Kedarnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the sacred pilgrimage centre in Northern India, located on the bank of Mandakini river at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level.
സമുദ്രനിരപ്പിൽ നിന്ന് 3584 മീറ്റർ ഉയരത്തിൽ മന്ദാകിനി നദിയുടെ തീരത്ത് സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്ന ശ്രീ കേദാർനാഥ് ക്ഷേത്രം ഉത്തരേന്ത്യയിലെ പുണ്യ തീർത്ഥാടന കേന്ദ്രങ്ങളിലൊന്നാണ്.
In Hindu tradition, it is believed that Lord Shiva manifested in form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. There are 12 such Jyotirlingas and Kedarnath is highest among them. This magnificent temple is ancient and constructed over a thousand years ago by Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya.
ഹിന്ദു പാരമ്പര്യത്തിൽ, ശിവൻ ജ്യോതിർലിംഗത്തിന്റെ രൂപത്തിൽ അല്ലെങ്കിൽ കോസ്മിക് പ്രകാശത്തിന്റെ രൂപത്തിൽ പ്രത്യക്ഷനായി എന്ന് വിശ്വസിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു. അത്തരം 12 ജ്യോതിർലിംഗങ്ങളുണ്ട്, അവയിൽ ഏറ്റവും ഉയർന്നത് കേദാർനാഥാണ്. ജഗദ് ഗുരു ആദിശങ്കരാചാര്യയാൽ ആയിരത്തിലധികം വർഷങ്ങൾക്ക് മുമ്പ് നിർമ്മിച്ച ഈ മഹത്തായ ക്ഷേത്രം പുരാതനമാണ്
The most important Lord Shiva shrine is Kedarnath. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own Kith and Kin and sought blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bafellow.
On being followed, the Lord dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface at Kedarnath. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms of the Lord appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. The Kedarnath and four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar
Best time to visit Kedarnath ?
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Winter (October to April)
Winters has chilly days. Minimum can touch sub zero levels and snowfall is very common. These months are not the perfect time for travelling.
Summer (May to June)
Summer (May to June) are very pleasant with moderately cold climate. Summers is ideal for all sight seeing and the holy Kedarnath pilgrimage.
Monsoon (July to mid-September)
Monsoon (July to mid-September) are accompanied with regular rains and also temperature drops down. The region is prone to occasional landslides and travelling can be difficult.
The holy city of Kedarnath is open for public views from May to October/November but the temple remains closed during the monsoon months as landslides are common.
The region experiences pleasant and cool summer while winters are very chilly and snowfall is a regular occurrence.
HOW TO REACH ?
By Flight: Jolly Grant Airport (35 kms from Dehradun) is the nearest Airport to Kedarnath situated at a distance of 235kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Gaurikund.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 243kms before Gaurikund on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Tehri and many other destinations to Gaurikund.
By Road: Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate New Delhi. Buses and Taxis to Gaurikund are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri etc. Gaurikund is connected with Ghaziabad by National Highway 58.
