Sunday, 3 January 2016

Shri Kedarnath ji

Kedarnath temple is located in the district of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand state of India. Kedarnath temple is the seat of Lord Shiva and known as one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, others being Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath. The temple is located at an altitude of 3583 mtr. above sea level, surrounded by tall snow capped mountains. The devotees come here in a land totally different from outside world. It is said that after coming here the unholy becomes holy and the holy becomes holier.  

The temple is a magnificent example of architecture and wonder of its time of construction. It is assumed that the temple was constructed one thousand years back when the architecture was at its peak. It can only be imagined that how difficult it must have been to built this temple at that time. There is no proper historical record of its origin and construction. The temple is built of large grey stones. There are two sections : Mandapam and Garbh griha.

The Garbh griha is in the centre of the temple consisting of a conical shaped rock, which is worshipped as Lord Shiva. The Garbh griha is encircled by a narrow pradakshina path.

Mandapam is right in front of the Shiva where Nandi, the divine bull, is located. There are many other idols and the subordinate temples on the outer part of the temple. This temple is considered as one of the twelve Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva.
Some of the stones of the temples bear inscriptions in either Pali or Brahmi script. According to some vague references King bhoj constructed the temple. But a serious effort has not been put to decipher the script and the real historical data can only be revealed after proper investigation.    

The Kedarnath temple is associated with Kedar valley. Kedar valley is famous for Panch Kedar. The other four kedar temples are Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar.

The temples are open from May to November and closed during winters.
The distance of Kedarnath from Rishikesh : 204 km motor and 22 km trek.  
The distance of Delhi to Rishieksh: 225 km.   
One can also use the helicopter services from different places (near Guptakashi).

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