Kedarnath
 
Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificient temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing 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 stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt. It is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
 
At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. 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. The shrine closes on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens in Vaishakh (Apr-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath.
 
Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. Shiva is considered the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms.

The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded 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 great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling. 

The Mythological Past
There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Kedarnath. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own Kith and Kin and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. 

On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. 

The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

An imposing sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. 

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a Garbha Griha for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

Location : 14 Km Trek From Gaurikund
Dedicated To : Lord Shiva
Altitude : 3,581 mt
Built In : 8th Century AD

Best Time to visit:- The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. This is because; all the four sacred sites are perched in Garhwal Himalayas, which is prone to heavy snowfall. As a result, all the passage leading to the shrines are blocked. Moreover, during the monsoon season, there is undue threat of having landslides, which can further disrupt the journey. For safety reasons, the gates of the temples are also closed for this period of time and the idols are shifted to nearby pilgrim points.
 
Kapat Opening:- The kapat of Shri Kedarnath Temple has been opened on 28th April 2012 at 7:15 AM.
 
 CHARDHAM ITINERARY


Day 01: Haridwar-Mussoorie-Barkot ( 220 kms, 06 hrs drive)
Drive to Barkot/Syanachatti. Arrive Barkot and night stay at Hotel.


Day 02: Barkot-Yamunoti return
Drive to Jankichatti then trek 07 kms to reach Yamunotri to visit the Yamunotri Dham, situated on the bank of the river.


Day 03: Barkot-Uttarkashi (115 kms, 5 Hrs dive)
After breakfast drive to Uttarkashi. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 04: Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Uttarkashi ( 200 kms round trip)
In the morning, we will move to Harsil - one the beautiful valleys in the world. Drive to Gangotri, On arrival take a holy dip in the River scared The Ganges, also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform pooja and relax in the lovely surrounding. In the afternoon return back to Uttarkashi.


Day 05: Uttarkashi- Guptakashi/Rudraprayag/Gaurikund (250 kms/8 hrs)
After early breakfast, we will move to Guptakashi/Gaurikund. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 06: Gaurikund-Kedarnath (40 kms , 1 1/2 hrs)
In the morning start trek to Kedarnath (14 kms/4 hrs). In the evening we take you to visit Kedarnath Dham for Darshan, Aarti & pooja. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 07: Kedarnath –Rudraprayag:( 90 kms)
In the morning trek back to Gaurikund, and after lunch we start our journey for Rudraprayag. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 08: Rudraprayag - Badrinath (220 kms / 8 hrs)
In the morning, we move to Badrinath via Chopta. Enjoy the stunning drive with natural beauty. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 9: Badrinath – Joshimath/Auli: ( 55 Kms, 2Hrs)
In the morning darshant at Badrinath dham, After breakfast visit mana village and drive back to joshimath and visit auli (the skiing centre) and back to Joshimath. Night stay at hotel.


Day 10: Joshimath– Rishikesh (260 kms, 8-9 hrs)
In the morning, we drive back to Rishikesh. Reach Rishikesh in the evening. Night stay at the hotel.
 
Package Available For Chardham Tour
Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Economy Package Available.