Chardham Yatra

History of Sri Kedarnath Ji

Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu,located in the Uttaranchal state ofIndia.

A famous holy town dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Kedarnath Ji is located in the magical surroundings of Himalayan mountain ranges. It is mounted at a height of 3583 meters above the sea level on a marshy plain. Kedar is one more name of Lord Shiva, who is the protector and the destroyer. The Lord Shiva is considered the personification of all kinds of passions – love, fear, hatred, death and mysticism – articulated through his various forms. As per the story goes by, Nara and Narayana – two incarnations of Vishnu – performed severe sacrament in Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand, in front of a Shivalingam that came out of earth. Contented with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in front of them and asked them for a Vardaan. Then, both the incarnations of Lord Vishnu requested Shiva to take up an enduring dwelling as a Jyotirlingam at Kedarnath, so that all people worshipping Shiva shall be freed from their desolations.

In the Chamoli district, there are more than 200 shrines devoted to Lord Shiva and the most important one is Sri Kedarnath Ji. According to stories, the Pandavas felt guilty over their win on Kaurvas, as the Kurukshetra battle resulted in the loss of their cousin brothers. In order to ward off that guilt, they sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He avoided them constantly and took refuge at Sri Kedarnath Ji in the form of a bull while fleeing. On being chased after, he dived into the ground, parting his hump on the surface. The other portions of Lord Shiva became visible at four other places and are worshipped there as his demonstration. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his hair with head at Kalpeshwar

Famous Attractions-Kedarnath

The temple at Kedarnath preserving the Jyotirlingam of Shiva stays opens only 6 months in a year (April to November) for general public, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries and it is closed when the sun enters Scorpio. After the closure of this temple, the priests go off to Ukhimath, where the worship of Kedareshwara is continued during the winter season.

Gaurikund

A distant place amidst the snow caped peaks of the Himalayas, Gaurikund has much religious significance. This is one among the famous pilgrim centers falling on the route to Kedarnath shrine that lies at an altitude of 1982 meters. This holy place has an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati.

Kedarnath Temple

It is a temple that is believed to be built by Shankracharya and is located at the Garhwal region ofHimalayaswith great religious significance. The Kedarnath temple demands a tough trek for worshipping the deity. Winter in this region is so cold that the temple remains closed during those months. It is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas present inIndia.

Chandrashila

Chandrashila is placed at an elevation of 3679 meter and is known as the most picturesque location surrounding Kedarnath Ji. This place is easily accessible, which makes it a much preferred trekking spot in the locality. Except in December to January, this peak is suitable for trekking and associated activities. Chandrashila trek is categorized as a moderate level trek that may take a complete week.

Deoria Tal

The Garhwal ranges of Himalayasare a home to the treasured abodes of scenic excellencies that are bestowed with unparallel beauty. Deoria Tal is one among such splendors that can captivate anybody with its charismatic appeal. At a height of 3200 meters, Deoria Tal’s crystalline water offers a spellbound image of its beautiful surroundings. It is believed that this was the place from where the powerful Pandavas were asked queries by Yaksha.

Religious Places near Kedarnath Ji

Augustyamuni

Augustyamuni is known worldwide for the temple that is dedicated in the name of sage Agastya. According to the popular belief, the sage had meditated here for almost one year. This sacred shrine at the Rudraprayag district of Uttrakhand is crowded by thousands of devotees during Baisakhi celebrations.

Shankracharya Samadhi

The Hindu philosopher Sri Shankracharya is considered to be the renovator of the Kedarnath shrine. As per the historical significance goes, in order to proliferate his Adwaita Philosophy, he had made relentless journeys. It is believed that this great researcher came to Kedarnath and established this holy shrine. Along with that he also established one of his four Mathas in 8th century. He also believed that he had attained the nirvana here at the tender age of 32.

Triyuginarayan

A five-kilometer trek from Son Prayag leads to Triyuginarayan, which is a charming village in Rudraprayag. Well known for the old temple in the name of Vishnu, this is an often visited place by the devotees. This temple resembles the Kedarnath shrine in architecture and design. Bordered by plentiful of flora, the temple at Triyuginarayan gives a picture of the civilization and customs ofIndia. This place has mythological important, which lays in the fact that Lord Shiva tied the nuptial knot with his wife Goddess Parvati.

Ukshimath

Celebrated as the winter abode of the controlling deity of Kedarnath shrine, Ukhimath in Rudraprayag is a busy pilgrimage. During winter, due to excessively cold climatic conditions, Kedarnath shrine remain closed and the daily pujas or adoration is performed at theOmkareshwarTemple at Ukshimath.

Significance of Kedarnath Ji

The Kedarnath Ji is a holy place that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its temple is a magnificence building made from fine stone. Kedarnath is one of the most excellent known Shivasthalams in India and is seen as the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the country. The implication of the place lies in the fact that after praying to Lord Kedareshwar, a person can get all his wishes fulfilled. Its value can be further signified from the beliefs that Upamanyu used to pray to Lord Shiva at this place in Satayuga; while in Dwapar, the Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva here. Apart from this, the spiritual leader Adi Shankracharya is also closely associated with Kedarnath Yatra.

It is because of all these pujas and religious atmosphere prevailing in the town that has made the place sound like a heavenly abode with bells ringing to the tunes of spiritual hymns. One feels that, at Kedarnath Ji, the soul meets his owner (the God).