Kedarnath Temple: One of Jyotirling & Char Dham
Kedarnath temple is one of the holiest jyotirlingas and one among Char Dham Yatra located in Garhwal, a snow-covered area of the Himalayan range, Uttarakhand, India. Due to extreme weather conditions, this jyotirlingas can be visited only for six months in a year. From the month of Vaisakhi (end of April) to Ashwin (autumn full moon in November). As it’s too cold in the remaining days and it’s covered with snow, the temple remains closed for pilgrims.
Mahadriparshvecha tate ramantam
Sampujya manam Satatam manindraihi
Surasuraiyaksha maho Nagaadhaihi
Kedarameesham Shivamerumeede
Meaning: Oh Lord, who resides in the great heights of the Himalayas, Oh Lord thou, who art worshipped forever by saints, Hermits, Demons, Gods, Yakshas(fairs) and Maha Nag (giant snakes), I bow and offer millions of Pranams.
During the month of Karthik, there will be heavy snowfall so Sri Kedareshwar idol is brought out of the temple by lighting “Nandadeep” (lighting a ghee lamp) and will be closed. During six months it is brought to Urvi math and worshipped. When the temple doors are opened during the month of Vaisakhi people throng to see the glorious “Nanda Deepa” as it burns continuously during six months of closure.
Haridwar is considered the gateway to heaven, Mayapur (magic city). Ahead of Haridwar, we have Rishikesh, Devprayag, Son-Prayag, Triyugi Narayan, and Gaurikund. In order to reach Kedarnath Jyotirlinga one has to pass all these holy places. Some parts of the places are motorable and the remaining is walked. Even though the travel way is difficult and dangerous devotees are overcome with dedication and devotion.
In order to climb this steep path, devotees use mules, swing carriages (locally called dolis), and walking sticks. There are resting places (chowltries) along the pathway. After reaching Gaurikund, pilgrims have a bath and take darshan of headless Ganesha (It is the place where Lord Shiva cut off his son lord Ganesh’s head with his trident and replaced it with an elephant head).
A little distance from Gaurikund, on the banks of river Mandakini, we can have a magnificent view of Kedarnath jyotirlinga, called as “Kailash” where Lord Shiva made his abode. Even though we don’t find any idol, we can see a triangular-shaped high mound which is said to be behind part of Mahisha (he-buffalo).
Contents
The story behind the triangular-shaped high mound:
During the Mahabharata battle, Pandavas killed Kauravas (where many of them were relatives), in order to absolve their sin Pandavas went on pilgrimage. When they got to know that Lord Shiva was in Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, they left Kashi and reached the Himalayas via Haridwar. They felt the Lord from a distance but the lord hid from them, then Dharmaraj said” Oh lord, we know you hid from us. We have come here to absolve our sins, and will not go back until we seek your blessing”
When Pandavas were in search of the lord, they sighted he-buffalo which was unique to look. Dharmaraj commented, “It is a lord who has taken this form and he is testing us”. When Bheema followed this buffalo with this mace, the buffalo hid its face in a crevice in the earth. Bheema started to pull with its tail, in this trial buffalo headed its head to Nepal leaving its hind part in Kedar.
The head part in Nepal is worshipped as “Pashupatinath”. From the hind part lord appeared to Pandavas with bright light and blessed them by saying “From now on I will remain with triangular-shaped Jyotirlinga. Upon darshan of me, devotees will attain piety”
In the event of catching he-buffalo Bheema stuck with his mace to the lord. With remorse, he started massaging lord with ghee. Even now we find devotees worshiping with ghee, water, and bel leaves. Also while Darmaraja was leaving for heaven (Swarga), one of his fingers fell on earth, and he installed Shiva Linga of thumb size. By the darshan of Kedareshwar Jyotirlinga, we will be free from sorrows even in dreams. Pandavas got rid of sins and sorrows. Whoever gives alms (dan) in kedareshwar will be assimilated with shiva roopa.
Kedarnath Temple Architecture:
Stone Construction: The major part of the temple structure is based on stones-large slabs of stones. This use of stones brings a level of hardness and stability to hold up against mountainous rugged settings and everything it is thrown through in terms of weather conditions.
It is of the pagoda style of architecture, meaning it is actually of the Nagara style. Virtually all the temples of North India are in this style. A pagoda style of temple has successive stories that retreat into each other progressively, thus creating a tapering tower with a pointed shikhara. The shikhara predominates and hogs the view from afar.
Garbhagriha and Mandapa: The word Garbhagriha garba means womb and griha means chamber, it is the central sanctum of a temple. We find Shiv lingams at the center of the temple. Garbhagriha is a small square-shaped inner sanctum and is regarded as the holiest place in the temple. Around it is constructed the mandapa that forms an assembly hall for the devotees. The mandapa is ornamented with ornate pillars and carvings.
Intricately carved overture: Impression of multiple gods of Hinduism, beings from heaven, and mythical creatures are intricately carved on the exterior of this temple. Such minute beauty of intricate carvings of a temple enhances the overall design and expresses great skill and artistry of the craftsmen who built this temple.
Besides stones, there is also wooden usage found in certain parts of the temple. Wooden panels and beams are used inside the temple and at the entrance of the temple. It gives warmth with aesthetical looks.
Natural Environments: The architecture of the temple is very well balanced with the surroundings of the local natures. Its location amidst the marvelous Himalayan surroundings beautifully enhances the pilgrims’ and visitors’ spiritual experience.
Open Courtyard: This open courtyard at the Jyotirlinga complex has been developed to assist the devotees to collect around and involve themselves in religious ceremonies and rituals. Huge congregations can be accommodated during important festivals and functions.
Explore More Fascinating Temples:
Where are 51 Shakti Peethas located?
Why is Kedarnath Temple closed for 6 months?
Kedarnath Temple is inaccessible to the general public for more than six months of the year, as the weather is extremely harsh during the winter season. This temple is situated at an elevation of around 3,583 meters or 11,755 feet on the Himalayas in the northern Indian state of India known as Uttarakhand.
The extreme weather conditions in the winter months restrict the whole region from being accessibly and safely visited by the pilgrims as well as visitors. The six months closure of Kedarnath Temple within a year may be attributed to the following reasons:
Excessive Snowfall: The heavy snowfalls in the winters leave several feet deep of snow spreading over the entire temple area, which sometimes creates a problem to access the site and causes an avalanche along with other adverse natural conditions.
Freezing Temperatures: This region records temperature that goes down to a very low level in winter time. Such severe cold is risky not only for the pilgrims but also for the structures of the temple too.
The trekking routes going to Kedarnath, especially from Gaurikund, which is nearest accessible point, get blocked and treacherously ice-covered. In fact, the paths become slippery because of this and thereby become extreme risk for traveling to trek there on foot.
Absence of Infrastructure- There is a grave deficiency of basic infrastructures like food, accommodation, and medical facilities in this temple. This makes the pilgrims very unpractical and precarious to visit the temple during the winter months.
Preservation of Temple: The old temple is not open during the winter season. The harsh weather, such as frost and heavy snowfall, begins to destroy the architectural structure of the temple along with its history-based objects. Closing the temple helps the authorities preserve it for a longer time along with protecting their cultural heritage from their motherland.
Places to visit near Kedarnath temple:
Vasuki Tal: It is a glacial lake. This also lies within a radius of 8 kilometers from Kedarnath Temple. The trek to this dashing place takes you through very picturesque meadows, rocky terrain and sharp beholding of the surrounding peaks.
Chorabari Tal or Gandhi Sarovar : The beautiful lake is 3 kilometer from Kedarnath. According to some, its waters carry ashes of Mahatma Gandhi and so also it is called Gandhi Sarovar.
It is called Triyuginarayan which, as is said, is a place nearly 25kms from Kedarnath. Situated here, it is considered the place where Lord Shiva married his consort, Goddess Parvati. It is said that the burning flame before the temple was a witness to their marriage.
Gaurikund– Among several take-off points for the way to the Kedarnath Temple, this is one that finds mention. There was a situation where goddess parvati was humiliated and inorder to win the heart of Lord shiva she performed severe meditation.
Sonprayag: Sonprayag is 20 kms from Kedarnath. It is also the confluence of rivers Basuki and Mandakini. The picture beauty along with religious importance makes the place an attractive rendezvous for several travelers.
Guptkashi: This is about 49 kms from Kedarnath. Guptkashi has ancient temples and also forms an important halt for the visitors going to Kedarnath.
Tungnath Temple: It is 65 km from Kedarnath. The other picture-postcard Tungnath Temple is said to be the world’s tallest Shiva temple and accessible from Chopta, which is touted as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’.
Deoria Tal: This is a high-altitude lake. This stands at an elevation of 65 km from Kedarnath. The great beauty, reflection of the peaks around makes for a great view. One can reach by treks from Sari village.
Madmaheshwar Temple: The mad adventure enthusiasm tourist can also visit Madmaheshwar Temple. It is 35 kilometers from Guptkashi. Here, one has to face a little long trek. Situations all around in this ancient temple evoke serenity and therefore, it leaves an excellent experience in all aspects.
Rudraprayag: The destination is Kedarnath, which is actually the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The place has its devout following among followers of Hinduism, so the town receives religious standing too.
How to reach Kedarnath Temple:
Reaching Kedarnath Temple requires a combination of road and trekking or helicopter services, as the temple is located in a remote and high-altitude region of the Himalayas. Here are the general steps to reach Kedarnath Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
By Train:
The nearest railway station: Haridwar.
By Road:
From Guptkashi or Phata, one has to go to Gaurikund. It is a base point from where the trek for Kedarnath starts. Gaurikund is about 16 kilometers away and is the last motorable point. Private taxis and shared jeeps are available from Guptkashi and Phata to Gaurikund.
From Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple:
Devotees from many centuries reach this place on foot by trekking. If you are planning to trek from Gaurikund which is about 16 km and takes 6 to 8 hours depending on a person’s pace and the weather conditions. Slightly challenging treks, it passes through the most spectacular landscapes.
Helicopter: For another variant that will get you there faster and give you a more comfortable feeling, you can book a helicopter ride from Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath. Due to weather conditions and availability, the operating helicopter service is only open for the temple’s opening season. It gives you the full, breathtaking views through the aerial sceneries of the Himalayan region.
Accommodation: There are so many options- from guesthouses to lodges, and even ashrams-for a stay in Kedarnath. Because the temple attracts so many pilgrims, it is always advisable to book in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage season.
Note:
The temple is open to pilgrims only in summer and early autumn-the months are usually May/June through October, weather permitting-and closes in winter because of heavy snowfall.
Before you plan your tour, check the present weather conditions and the dates when the temple will open, to ensure a smooth journey and safety while traveling.
Before you plan your trek, it is wise to prepare yourself physically for high-altitude treks. The terrain of this region can be challenging and should be known to your health status before approaching a doctor for the ability of embarking on this long journey if you do have any medical conditions.