Kedarnath

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Kedarnath is an ancient temple  located in the Rudra Himalaya range (Rudraprayag District, Uttrakhand) is over a thousand years old, built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, protector or the destroyer. Ascending through the large grey steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptiion in the Pali in the steps. The present temple was buit by the Adi Shankaracharya. The walls of temple  sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from the mythology. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open to genral public only between the months of April and November. During the winter the Vigrah from Kedarnath temple is carried down to Ukhimath and where the deity is worshipped for the next six month. Kedarnath is the ‘lord of Kedarkhand’ the historical name of the region.


Baba Kedarnath Temple,  Rudraprayag District,  Uttrakhand
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According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessing of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeig took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside  the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stand as guard. It is at this  time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage.

Baba Kedar Vighrah

Nandi of Baba kedar

Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning
mountain scape of the Garhwal Himalaya at the head of Mandakini River. Kedarnath shrine’s is very scenially placed and is surrouned by lofty, snow covered mountains and during summer grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from the great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling.

Keadardome Peak

The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga, the holies Hindu shrines of Shiva. The temple is one of the Panchkedar (Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath , Rudranath , Kalpnath and Kedarnath) of lord Shiva in Garhwal Himalayas. Kedarnath was the worst affected area during the 2013 flash floods in North India. The temple complex, surrounding areas and Kedarnath town suffered extensive damge but the temple structure did not suffer any major damage apart  from a few cracks on one side of the four walls which was caused by the flowing debris from the higher mountain a large rock  among the debris acted as  a barrier, protecting the temple from the flood.

 





Kedarghati View

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