Kedarnath Dham

The History of Kedarnath Dham

About Kedarnath Temple

Perched gracefully at an altitude of 3,580 meters, cradled within the formidable Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple emerges as a divine masterpiece, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Enveloped in the mystical aura of the Himalayan range, Kedarnath holds a pivotal position as one of the four sacred sites integral to the Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage.

History of Kedarnath Dham

The temple’s construction in Hindu mythology is attributed to the Pandavas, the legendary heroes from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. According to the tales, following the colossal Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought the forgiveness of Lord Shiva to absolve themselves of sins. However, their initial attempts were met with displeasure, as Lord Shiva declined to meet them. Undeterred, the Pandavas traced him to the Himalayas, where he had taken the form of a bull for refuge; at various locations where they discovered parts of the bull’s body, the Pandavas erected temples to worship Lord Shiva in his bull incarnation. Notably, Kedarnath Temple marks the spot where the hump of the bull was identified.
Historically, the present temple is credited to Adi Shankara, believed to have been constructed in the 8th century CE. Nevertheless, the temple has undergone numerous renovations across the centuries, prompted by damage inflicted by natural disasters like earthquakes and avalanches. The current structure, as it stands today, is thought to have been rebuilt in the 19th century.

Dedication to Lord Shiva:

Kedarnath Temple is a living testament to devotion, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the embodiment of cosmic energy. As you step into this sacred abode, you are welcomed into the presence of divinity, a sanctum where earthly and celestial energies converge in harmonious reverence.

Introduction:

Jyotirlingas, revered as sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, holds a unique place in the hearts of devotees, believed to be sites personally visited by the divine. These mystical places, numbering twelve in India, encapsulate a profound spiritual energy that resonates with believers worldwide.

Meaning of Jyotirlinga:

‘Jyotirlinga’ translates to ‘column or pillar of light.’ This potent symbolism signifies an eternal continuum where the divine light has no discernible beginning or end. The ‘stambha’ symbolizes the timeless nature of Lord Shiva’s omnipresence.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga:

In the illustrious constellation of Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath holds a significant position. The name, ‘Kedarnath,’ translates to ‘Lord of the field’ or ‘Kedar Khand,’ reflecting the historical nomenclature of the region. Nestled amidst enchanting snowy mountains and verdant valleys adorned with grassy meadows, the Kedarnath Temple is not merely a pilgrimage site but a captivating destination for global sightseers.

Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage:

Kedarnath is a pivotal pilgrimage site, forming an integral part of the revered Chota Char Dham alongside Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath. Pilgrims and avid travelers place Kedarnath on their must-visit lists, drawn not only by its spiritual aura but also by the breathtaking beauty that envelopes this sacred abode.

Adi Shankara’s Connection with the History of Kedarnath

In the annals of history, the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankara shares a unique and enigmatic connection with Kedarnath. Hagiographies, particularly Madhava’s Sankshepa-Shankara-Vijaya, propose that Adi Shankara’s earthly journey concluded in the highlands proximate to Kedarnath. However, an alternative narrative surfaces in hagiographies such as Anandagiri’s Prachina-Shankara-Vijaya, asserting that Adi Shankara breathed his last in Kanchipuram.

Interestingly, amidst the sacred precincts of Kedarnath, remnants of a memorial persist, purportedly marking the site where Adi Shankara’s mortal journey culminated. This convergence of historical narratives and sacred geography forms a compelling tapestry, weaving together spirituality and philosophical legacy.

As we delve into the 12th century, Kedarnath solidifies its standing as a revered pilgrimage destination. References in Kritya-kalpataru, a work by the Gahadavala minister Bhatta Lakshmidhara, affirm Kedarnath’s prominence as a well-known pilgrimage site. The historical threads interwoven with Adi Shankara’s association with Kedarnath create an intriguing narrative, inviting contemplation on the convergence of spirituality, philosophy, and the enduring legacy of a revered sage.

Other Significant Historical References

A notable historical artifact, a stone inscription uncovered in the state of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, provides substantial support to the claim that King Bhoj of Malwa, reigning from 1076 to 1099, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Kedareshwar temple. This assertion finds corroboration in The Epigraphia Indica, Volume 1.

Contrary perspectives propose an alternative narrative, suggesting that during the Dwaparyug, the Pandavas were the initial architects of the Kedarshwar temple. Subsequently, in the 8th century AD, Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have constructed a temple near the pre-existing one.

A divergence of opinion emerges in the discourse of recent historical scholarship led by prominent historians like Dr. Shiv Prasad Dabral. Dr. Dabral and others contend that adherents of the Shaiva sect, also known as Saivism or Shaivism, had been frequenting the region long before the era of Adi Shankaracharya and his disciples. This viewpoint challenges the temporal attribution of the temple’s construction, proposing an earlier presence of Shaiva devotees in the sacred precincts of Kedareshwar.

2013 Flooding Catastrophe in Kedarnath: Unprecedented Natural Disaster

From June 13th to 17th, the state of Uttarakhand experienced an unusually high volume of rainfall, triggering a chain of catastrophic events. The deluge caused the Chorabari glacier to melt, leading to the surging eruption of the Mandakini River. The devastating consequences of this natural calamity rippled across significant portions of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and western Nepal.

The relentless rains resulted in widespread flash floods and landslides, claiming the lives of both local residents and visitors and causing extensive property damage. Among the severely affected areas, the Kedarnath valley bore the brunt of the calamity. Renowned for its eighth-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the valley witnessed unprecedented destruction during this tragic episode. The 2013 flooding catastrophe in Kedarnath stands as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable force of nature and its profound impact on both the sacred and the mundane aspects of life.

Interesting facts about Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Since Kedarnath is located at such an altitude, winters are severe, making the temple inaccessible. So, it is open to the public only between April and November. It closes on the first day of Kartik (October-November) and opens in Vaisakh (April-May) every year. During the winters, the murtis (idols) from Kedarnath temple are brought to Ukhimath and worshiped there for six months.
In the 2013 floods, the Kedarnath temple was not affected, while adjacent areas were severely damaged.
Kedarnath is the first of the Panch Kedars.

Considered one of the holiest temples for Lord Shiva, pilgrims devotedly visit this mountainous temple every year. While the main Kedarnath temple is normally closed during Mahashivratri celebrations, the Badri-Kedar festival is celebrated yearly over a week in June.

How To Reach Kedarnath

By Air:

The most efficient way to embark on the sacred pilgrimage to Kedarnath is through air travel. Given Uttarakhand’s challenging altitude and terrain, reaching the base camp of Gaurikund swiftly becomes a priority to conserve energy for the uphill trek to Kedarnath.

While Kedarnath lacks an airport, the nearest air hub in Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport, serves as the gateway to the spiritual sojourn. Situated approximately 238 to 250 km from Kedarnath, this pivotal airport is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Airlines such as IndiGo, Spice Jet, and Air India operate flights to Jolly Grant Airport. For the swiftest route, Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, only 260 km away, offers a flight duration of 45 minutes to an hour. From the airport, travelers can choose from general, prepaid, and private taxis and the city bus service to reach Kedarnath. Jolly Grant Airport ensures a comfortable arrival with amenities like high-speed WiFi, infotainment, and buffet and bar services.

By Railways:

Railways offer an alternative for a more economical mode of transportation, though it significantly extends the overall travel time. Although Kedarnath lacks a railway junction, travelers can access the Rishikesh railhead, approximately 210 km from Gaurikund. Rishikesh Railway Station, well-connected to Delhi, allows an approximately 8-hour train journey. Upon arrival, regular buses ply to the base camp, commencing the trek.

By Road:

To reach Kedarnath by road, travelers must first journey to Delhi. Drivers to Dehradun by flight, train, or bus are available from Delhi. The onward journey from Dehradun involves traveling to Haridwar and proceeding to the Kedarnath trek path. Interstate buses from Delhi to Dehradun operate from Kashmere Gate Bus Terminal and Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, offering options such as A/C sleeper, non-A/C sleeper, Volvo A/C, Volvo A/C, and semi-sleeper buses.

Outlined below is a rough road route to provide an overview of the journey: New Delhi > Haridwar (206 km) > Rishikesh (24 km) > Devprayag (74 km) > Srinagar (34 km) > Rudraprayag (33 km) > Gaurikund (via Augustmuni > Guptkashi > Phata > Sitapur > Sonprayag (74 km) > Kedarnath by trek (16 km).

It’s essential to note that this is a demanding and lengthy journey. Expedite the route to Gaurikund promptly, as the subsequent trek is even more physically challenging.

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How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi

Delhi to Kedarnath By Road

For those journeying from Delhi to Kedarnath, the most convenient modes of transportation are taxis or buses. The road from Delhi to Kedarnath is approximately 470 km, and accessibility is facilitated through national and state highways. The final vehicular destination is Gaurikund, marking the conclusion of the road journey. From this point onward, pilgrims embark on the trek to Kedarnath or opt for the convenience of hiring a Pony or Palki.

The road route from Delhi to Kedarnath is not merely a passage; it unfolds as a picturesque journey adorned with notable attractions. Travelers can relish the scenic beauty along the way, making the road expedition an An integral part of the overall pilgrimage experience.

Delhi to Kedarnath by Road	Distance	Time	Conveyance
Delhi – Haridwar	213 km	5 hrs (approx)	Taxi/Car
Haridwar – Rishikesh	28 km	2 hrs (approx)	Bus/Taxi/Car
Rishikesh – Rudraprayag	138 km	4 hrs	Taxi/Car
Rudraprayag – Sonprayag	72 km	3 hrs (approx)	Taxi/Car
Sonprayag – Gaurikund	6 km	35 min.	Taxi/Car
Gaurikund – Kedarnath	16 km Trek	4 hrs	On foot/Pony/Mule

Delhi to Kedarnath By Train

Kedarnath’s Nearest Railway Station is the Rishikesh Railway Station, at 230 Km. Devotees must first go to Delhi to take the train to Rishikesh. From there, they can drive by road and go to Kedarnath.

Delhi to Kedarnath by Train	Distance	Time	Conveyance
Delhi Junction – Rishikesh Railway Station	245 km (approx)	6 hrs (approx)	Train
Rishikesh – Rudraprayag	141 km	5 hrs	Bus/Taxi/Car
Rudraprayag – Gaurikund	78.9 km	4 hrs	Jeep/Taxi/Car
Gaurikund – Kedarnath	16 km trek	4 hrs	On foot/Pony/Mule

Delhi to Kedarnath By Flight

You can take a direct flight from Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Kedarnath Dham. Delhi to Dehradun by flight price is approximately INR 2400 per person. Upon arrival at Dehradun, you can hire a cab or taxi or take a bus from Dehradun to Rishikesh to start a robust road trip to Kedarnath.

Delhi to Kedarnath By Air	Distance (in Km)	Time	Conveyance
Delhi – Dehradun	202 km (aerial)	1 hr	Airplane
Dehradun – Sahastradhara Road	30 km	1 hr	Bus / Taxi / Car
Sahastradhara Road – Gaurikund	130 km (aerial)	30 min	Helicopter
Gaurikund – Kedarnath	16 km trek	4 hrs	Helicopter