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Facts around Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath temple is the first temple visited by thousands every year who have booked for Kedarnath Yatra. The Kedarnath temple is hundred years old and has been mentioned in the sacred books of the Hindu religion. The temple withstood the floods of Uttarakhand by defeating it victoriously with armor made by the divinity. This incident has made the Kedarnath Yatra even more special for the pilgrims and the believers of Lord Shiva. The temple is one among the Panch Kedar and Chota Char Dham. The Panch Kedar came into existence from the hands of Pandavas when they decided to greet Lord Shiva to ask for his forgiveness in the matter of the atrocities that happened during the war of Kurukshetra. The war was between the Pandavas and the Kauravas which resulted in the massacre of Kauravas who were the blood relatives of the Pandavas. Lord Shiva was not happy with Pandavas, so he came up with a plan to escape from them. He masked himself as a bull in a place called Guptkashi. After a quest, they found Lord Shiva disguised as Nandi. They advanced towards Mahadev, but he disappeared into the earth's surface. Bheema who was the second son of Kunti was only able to catch the hind legs and the tail. The other parts of the embodiment cropped up at 5 different places. The place where the hump loomed up was later transformed into the Kedarnath temple. The place where the arms of the bull loomed up was called Tungnath Temple and the place where the face of the bull loomed up was called Rudranath. The place where the stomach loomed up was later transformed into the Madhyamaheshwar temple. And the last spot where the hair of the bull loomed was later transformed into Kalpeshwar. Visiting all these Panch Kedar during the Kedarnath Yatra is considered to be a solemn ritual. The opening and closing dates of all these temples are declared by the Government of India. These temples open between the months of April to October. But certain months like May, June, September, and October are considered to be ideal for reserving a Kedarnath Yatra. When the winter months approach, all these temples remain closed down for six months. The areas get completely covered up in the snow, making the place unachievable even by the neighborhood. All the icons of Lord Shiva in these temples are carried down to their winter houses. Later after the winters, they are carried back to their original allotted abodes. Only the Kalpeshwar temple is available throughout the year and reserving a Kedarnath Yatra at the right time and season is imperative. It depends on the pilgrims which Kedarnath Yatra package they are opting for from a travel agency. Some of the packages only include only the Kedarnath temple and some other packages include all five Panch Kedar. It takes almost 14 days to complete all the temples in the Panch Kedar. There is pre-registration required for visiting these places which you can do through the official sites.

Important Facts about Kedarnath Yatra

It is said that the temple was deep down in the snow for almost 400 years as there are visible yellow lines on the outer walls.

Kedarnath Temple is a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is considered to be a gem for Uttarakhand.

Kedarnath temple is the first Panch Kedar and marks the beginning of the Kedarnath Yatra.

The name of the Kedarnath temple came from the word “Kodaram”.

The Shiva-Lingham that is worshipped inside the temple is a triangular-shaped rock that is the representation of the hump of the bull Nandi.

It is said that the temple was first built by the Pandavas and re-established by the legendary monk called Adi Shankaracharya.

Kedarnath Yatra is incomplete without visiting the Bhairavnath temple which is the guardian of the Kedarnath temple.

The Kedarnath temple is one of the Chota-Char Dham which includes spots like Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath.

Kedarnath temple has a strong association with the Badrinath temple. It is said that Lord Narayan after severe penance asked Lord Shiva to permanently reside at Kedarnath for the welfare of humanity.

The idol at Kedarnath temple is taken to the temple Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath which is the winter home of the deity at Kedarnath temple. The winter season lasts for six months with snow storms.

Kedarnath temple stood unbroken during the floods that happened in 2013 Uttarakhand. A huge rock that came along with flood water stood between the temple and the flood. Reserving a Kedarnath Yatra gives everyone a chance to visit both the temple and the rock.

The boulder is called Bhim-Shila which is said to be perfectly cut out by God himself to protect his abode.

While visiting Kedarnath temple during the Kedarnath Yatra, you can see that the temple has idols of other Gods and Goddesses like Lord Krishna, Parvati, and Veerabhadra.

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Top Five Places in Kedarnath

Every state in India differs in its geography, culture, and traditions. The capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun and Uttarakhand is also known as Uttaranchal. The land is divided into two main divisions called Garhwal and Kumaon. Uttarakhand has 13 districts, and the land is often referred to as the ‘‘Land Of Gods'’.  It is due to a large number of pilgrim sites and temples. There are almost 142 temples in the state. Uttarakhand is home to Chota Char Dham and Panch Kedar. Chota Char Dham is a small circle of pilgrim sites devoted to different celestial beings. Chota Char Dham includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. In the 2013 Uttarakhand floods a miracle happened, a huge boulder stood between the temple of Kedarnath and the floods. Even the scientist does not know how the rock was perfectly prepared to protect the temple from the flood. The boulder was later called as Bhim Shila and it is also now worshipped as the armor of god. Panch Kedar is five locations where the parts of Mahadeva emerged. These five locations are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. All these five shrines are ardent to Lord Shiva with countless people coming to these locations to earn the blessings of the deities. Other than these places, many more destinations are famous among tourists. Some of them are listed below.

Guptkashi In Kedarnath

The place is located in the Kedar-Khanda in the Garhwal Himalayas of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand. Guptkashi has an ancient legend associated with it. After the epic battle of Kurukshetra, Pandavas wanted to atone for their error of killing their family members. They came to meet Lord Shiva to beg for his forgiveness but Mahadev was upset with Pandavas. So he hid in Guptkashi disguised as the bull Nandi. Later Bheema the second most sibling in Pandavas caught the bull by its hind legs and tail. Parts of the bull appeared in 5 locations hence these places were collectively called Panch Kedar. Guptkashi is also known for its Ardhanaveshvara who is half man, half woman avatar of Mahadev.

Ukhimath In Kedarnath

It is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.  It is said that Usha who is the daughter of Banasura and Aniruddha who is the grandson of Lord Krishna was celebrated in Ukhimath. During six months of winter, the deities from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar temples are brought to Ukhimath. The Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath is the place where the winter puja happens. This is done so that religious rituals practiced in these temples can be continued.  There are also other places near Ukhimath like Madhyamaheshwar temple, Tungnath temple, and Deioria Tal.

Tungnath temple In Kedarnath

The temple is located in the Rudraprayag Uttarakhand and is the highest of all the Panch Kedar. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva who is also known as the god of destruction. According to Hindu Mythology when Pandavas won the war of Kurukshetra. They wanted atonement for committing the murders of their brothers who belong to the Brahman community. To receive blessings from Lord Shiva before salvation, they searched for Mahadev in Varanasi. But Lord Shiva disguised himself as Nandi hid in Guptkashi. Later Bheema caught Nandi’s legs and tail. Other parts of Mahadev appeared in 4 different places. The place where the arms emerged was later called Tungnath. Ravana Shila also known as the speaking mountain stands above the Tungnath temple.

Kedarnath temple

The place is located in the Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand. It is one of the Chota Char Dham and is devoted to Lord Shiva.  The mythical tale associated with the temple revolves around Lord Shiva and Pandavas. Mahadev was hiding from Pandavas in Guptkashi disguised as the bull Nandi.  Lord Shiva was not happy with Pandava's immoralities in the war of Kurukshetra. After searching Pandavas found a bull that looked completely different from its herd. Bheema trying to hold Nandi catches its hind legs and tail. Other parts of the bull appeared in different regions. The hump of Lord Shiva emerged in a place where later Pandavas constructed the Kedarnath temple. Other places near Kedarnath temple are Bhairavnath’s temples, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, and Rudra Meditation Cave.

Vasuki Tal Lake in Kedarnath

The lake is situated in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and it is estimated that there are almost 61 lakes in Uttarakhand. The lake is so clear that you can see the reflections of the Himalayas that surround the lake. To reach the lake the nearest road is to Gaurikund. The story behind Vasuki Tal lake is linked to Lord Vishnu. It is said that Narayan took bath in the lake on the eve of Raksha Bandhan. People who come to visit the lake get an amazing view of the Chaukhamba And the land around the lake is appropriate for trekking. The lake is also known for its many activities.

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Uttarakhand - Land Of Gods

Uttarakhand is the home to many spiritual sites like the Chota Char Dham which includes places like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. There are almost 142 temples in the region which are visited by millions of people all around the world. Adi Badri, Augustmuni, Badrinath, and Baleshwar are some of the most famous temples. The highest Shiva temple Tungnath which is more than 1000 years old is exceptional and also exists in Uttarakhand. Panch Kedar comprises 5 places where different parts of Lord Shiva appeared when he disguised himself as Nandi the bull and was trying to hide from Pandavas and Draupadi.

Mythology around Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has many legendary tales woven into it, like the story of Pandavas ascending to heaven. To attain Moksha Pandavas came to Lord Shiva. He was not willing to forgive him because Pandavas has committed the heinous crime of killing their own brother Kauravas. Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull called Nandi and hid among other bulls in Guptkashi. Later Pandavas found him but were only able to catch the hemp of the bull. The place where the hemp appeared is where the temple Kedarnath is built. Other places where the other parts of Nandi appeared were called Panch Kedar. Later Lord Shiva forgave Pandavs and they ascended into heaven. Another story revolves around Raja Daksha whose daughter Sati was married to Lord Shiva. Once Raja Daksha arranged a Yagya to which Lord Shiva was not invited which caused grief in the heart of Sati. She came to the Yagya and left her body which made Lord shiva severe the head of her father Daksha in anger. Later Mahadev gave a second life to King Daksh by placing a goat’s head and said that now the place will be known after his name. Hence the temple called “Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple”  was named after King Daksha Prajapati and it is situated in Haridwar. Guru Dronacharya is one of the most renowned teachers of all time. According to legends he had meditated in a cave near Dehradun Uttarakhand. Later that cave was made into a temple called Tapkeshwar. Tales from Ramayana mention that Lord Rama meditated in the world’s highest temple devoted to Shiva called Tungnath. There are lots of tales about Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand, one among them being the marriage between Lord Shiva and Parvati. It happened in Triguginarayan temple which is said to be situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is said that the fire which witnessed the wedding still exists inside the temple and it is said it will never cease and will exist for eternity.

Chota Char Dham

There are four pilgrim sites which are jointly termed as Chota Char Dham.

Kedarnath - the pilgrim site which has both historical and religious significance. It is said Pandavas built this temple when  Bheema tried to catch the bull but only was able to catch the hemp of Nandi. Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull because he could not forgive Pandavas for their crimes at the war of Kurukshetra. Pandavas had to kill Kaurvas who were brothers to them. Later Pandavas attained salvation and ascended to heaven. The temple is one among the 12 Jyotirlingas and is devoted to Lord Shiva who is one among the Trimurti.

Badrinath - the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is situated near the bank of the river Alaknanda. The religious site is part of both Chota Char Dham and Char Dham. The place is said to be reestablished by the monk Adi Shankara. Badrikashram which is now called Badrinath temple is a place where Lord Vishnu in the form of Nara and Narayana underwent severe repentance. You can see the Neelkanth Parbat from Badrinath temple. The temple remains closed for six months due to the extreme snowfall that happens in the region.

Yamunotri - the shrine dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and the region is said to be the place where the River Yamuna originated. It is also a seat of the Goddess who according to Hindu Mythology is the sister of God Yama who is known as the God Of Death. The place is known for its glaciers and thermal springs. The place is the first of the Chota Char Dham and is the toughest place to trek. Due to the compact and narrow nature of the paths, the place is the toughest place to go for trekking.

Gangotri - one among the Chota Char Dham which is said to be the seat of Goddess Ganga. It is the place where the river Ganga originated. The place opens on the day of Akshaya Tritiya and closes on the day of Bhai Dooj according to sources. Legend says that the temple is located near a stone that was said to be worshipped by King Bhagiratha who was an avid worshipper of Lord Shiva. Everyone who has a keen interest in spirituality should visit these pilgrim sites to receive blessings from deities.