Destinations India > Hindu Pilgrimages in India

Kedarnath

Amidst the mountainscapes of the majestic Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve ' Jyotirlingas' of Kedar or Lord shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3.581 mts. Above sea level on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus.

The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharate. According to legend, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins fafter the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repetedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed HE dived into the ground, leaving behind HIS hump on the surface. This conical protrusion is worshipped as the idol on the shrine. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped at four places the arms (bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukha) at Rudranath, naval (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. Together with Kedarnath, these places are known as the panch Kedar.

The lingam at Kedarnath is pyramidal, unlike its usual form. A statue o fNandi - the celestial bull stands at the entrance of the temple and exquisitely carved image adorn the interiors of the temple.

During the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow and hence is closed the ideal time to visit is between May to October. One can reach Kedarnath Through a 14 kms. Long trek from Gaurikund.

How To Get There

Airport : Jolly Grant, Dehradun (246 kms.)
Railhead : Rishikesh (229 kms.) Kotdwar (260 kms.)
Road : Approachable on foot (14 kms.) from gaurikund, which is connected by road to Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and kumaon region.

Prime Sites

Kedarnath Temple

The present temple, built in 8th entury A.D. by Adi Guru Shankaracharya lies adjacent to the site of an ancient temple built by Pandavas. The walls of the exquisitely architectured temple are embellished with figures of deities and seenes from mythology. The temple has a conical lingam - the main idol, a statue of Nadi - the celestial bull, a 'garbha griha' for worship and a 'mandap' for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old.

Shankaracharya Samadhi

Behind the kedarnath Teple lies the samadhi or the final resting place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It is believed, after establishing the four dhams in India, he went for his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.

Vasuki Tal (6 Kms)

A picturesque lake, 4.135 mts. Above sea level is encircled by lofty mountains and offers a coomanidng view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

Your Itinerary for Kedarnath

(HARIDWAR - GUPTAKASHI - KEDARNATH - GUPTAKASHI - HARIDWAR (4 Days)

Day 01 - HARIDWAR - GUPTAKASHI. 223kms. (Drive 9 - 10 hrs)

After breakfast leave for Guptakashi via Rudraprayag. Late Lunch en route at Srinagar. After lunch restart your journey and today for the first time see the river beautiful MANDAKINI. Travel along this to reach Guptakashi late in the evening. On arrival check in The Char Dham Camp, Guptakashi) located 2 kms out of town towards Gaurikund. Dinner and O/N at the The Chardham Camp.

Day 02 - GUPTAKASHI - KEDARNATH. ( Drive 32 kms trek 14 kms )

After breakfast pick up your packed Lunch and leave for Gaurikund (A 32 kms drive one way ) on arrival start your journey on the tough trek ahead. Stop for the lunch en route and restart after that to arrive by late afternoon. On arrival check in at Punjab & Sindh Awas. After freshening up perform Pooja and also Darshan at the Shri Kedarnath ji. In the evening also visit Adi Shankaracharya samadhi at the back of the temple. Dinner and overnight at Punjab & Sindh Awas.

Day 03 - KEDARNATH - GUPTAKASHI. (Trek 14 kms, drive 32 kms)

After breakfast start you journey back to Gaurikund and on arrival leave for Guptakashi by road to reach the Char Dham Camp by evening. Relax with Ayurvedic Massage. Dinner and overnight at The Chardham Camp, Guptakashi.

Day 04 - GUPTAKASHI - HARIDWAR. 223kms. (Drive 9 - 10 hrs)

After breakfast leave for Haridwar and on the way lunch (packed) & Tea/ Coffee at Srinagar. Restart and if time permits visit Devprayag (The confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi). Reach Haridwar & proceed for onward Journey.