Find out about the History of Kedarnath Temple

1. Find out about the History of Kedarnath Temple Welcome to the Kedarnath Temple History Post. Kedarnath Temple is one of holiest Hindu pilgrimages to worship the Lord Shiva. Located amidst the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, this holy shrine is a part of both Char Dham Yatra as well as Panch Kedar. Backdropped by the majestic Himalayas and suffused with spirituality, Kedarnath has served as a beacon of faith for centuries. Situated amidst snow capped mountain peaks and close to the Mandakini River, the temple enjoys great religious and cultural importance. Open for just a few months each year because of extreme weather, Kedarnath Temple is a timeless testament to devotion and survival — India at its most fervent. To really know its divinity, check out our Char Dham Yatra packages and schedule your sacred tour now. The Story Behind Kedarnath Temple Hindu mythology steeped Kedarnath Temple. Legend from the Mahabharata After battling in the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas retired and handed their kingdom to their grandson Parikshit. Not to be easily forgived, Shiva disguised himself as a bull and retreated into the Himalayas.

2. Shiva disguised himself and hid in the form of a bull. Whereupon the Pandavas pursued him, with Bhima sending his mace in pursuit. Upon being caught by Bhima, Shiva threw himself on the ground as he attempted to trick Bhima. To him, the strongest in war of all the Chulya race, did Bhima take firm hold of that bull's hump, but the remaining part sank into the ground. As the hump is worshipped as Lord Shiva in Kedarnath, other body parts were found at four other locations, and thus all these sites came to be known as Panch Kedar. According to the legend, Kedarnath is the seat of Lord Shiva. Who is worshipped here in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Thousands of devotees come to Kedarnath every year to receive blessings, penance and salvation. Are you planning to start your journey from Delhi? Explore our Char Dham Yatra package from Delhi for a seamless pilgrimage experience. Who meditated in Kedarnath prior to the Pandavas? There are mentions of sages and rishis meditating there, prior to the Pandavas' visit. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have meditated here in the 8th century and subsequently revived the temple, making it a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site, and a popular belief holds. That he also came across the idol of Lord Badrinarayan, which had been lying untouched by anyone since time immemorial merely on the ground beside Tapt Kund. People say that Adi Shankaracharya achieved samadhi at Kedarnath and his shrine. It draws devotees from around the world. The Mystery of Kedarnath Temple The Kedarnath Temple attracts worshippers and captivates them with its mysteries. That still baffles pilgrims and scholars alike: Undying Structure– Constructed using colossal stone blocks and without the use of any mortar, this temple has outlasted floods, earthquakes and cruel weather. Its vitality is deemed a miracle from the gods. 2013 Floods Survival– When the fatal flash floods attacked in 2013, everything damaged except Kedarnath Temple and standing tall even today. A big rock(Bhim Shila) located behind the temple os considered to have saved it. Wonder Built on High-Elevation– Constructed at an altitude of 3,583m, and with no known construction technology that exists in the world today possible for use in ancient times; this temple still baffles historians. No Definite Historical Records– Although the origin of the temple is considered to be thousands of years old. We don’t have any sure written records about its construction.

3. According to some, it was established by the Pandavas, and by Adi Shankaracharya according to others. If you prefer a faster and more comfortable option, you can also explore the Do Dham Yatra by helicopter. Tapt Kund and Ritual Baths Just as Badrinath has the Tapt Kund, there are the many shrines and kunds (water tanks) around Kedarnath. Where pilgrims wash themselves before going into the temple. These holy waters are said to have the ability to purify sins and cleanse the soul. Thus preparing pilgrims for worship of the divine. Why Kedarnath is Special Kedarnath is not only the temple — it is devotion and resilience. Pilgrims walk up a steep trail, through snow and inclement weather to Lord Shiva’s residence. A spiritual walk that transcends the act of surrender and enlightenment. FAQs About Kedarnath Temple History 1. Which god is Kedarnath a temple of? Ans: Lord Shiva as Kedarnath or the “Lord of the Field” in a Jyotirlinga virupaksha form. 2. Why is Kedarnath Temple history famous? Ans: It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, one of the Char Dham and Panch Kedar, and the power of the hoary-headed God Shiva. 3. Who built the Kedarnath Temple? Ans: The Pandavas constructed it, and Adi Shankaracharya restored it in the 8th century. 4. Why Kedarnath Temple is closed for 6 months? Ans: They shifted the idol to Ukhimath due to heavy snowfall and extremely cold winters. Where worship goes on during the time of closing. 5. What saved Kedarnath Temple in the floods of 2013? Ans: It was the Bhim Shila, a large rock that deflected the floodwaters away from the temple, ultimately saving it. Note: Epic Yatra provides the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar (9 nights, 10 days) and Delhi (11 nights, 12 days) if you're searching for a road trip to Char Dham. View our in-depth articles about the Char Dham Yatra package from Haridwar.

4. Conclusions The Kedarnath Temple is not just a place of worship, but rather it’s one of the holiest temples of India, being a timeless monument to faith itself – its resilience and divine supremacy. Based on the ancient Pandava legends as interpreted by Tulsidas, the 16th-century Bhakti poet, the festival idolizes Lord Shiva (one of the main deities of Shaivism). As the lynching of Yeti-in-Kedarnath-heralds-honesty, in-town crime becomes an inspiration for faith in Kedarnath, and against all odds of extreme weather conditions, natural disasters and centuries of transformation, Kedarnath has emerged as one eternal beacon shining bright amidst the high-rising peaks. To the pilgrim that comes to pray at this holy shrine, it is not only a mountain path through but also an inner journey leading to peace and freedom. If you are planning your pilgrimage, Kedarnath is a magical experience—mythology meets history, and spirituality comes together under one. Epic Yatra also provides Do Dham and Ek Dham Yatra packages for Hindu pilgrims. Check out our detailed post on the Do Dham Yatra packages for a meaningful spiritual journey. Book Now