Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir History For Hindus, the Amarnath Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is of utmost religious significance. It is one of Hinduism's most sacred sanctuaries and is devoted to Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Temple has a long and illustrious history. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is believed to have given his celestial spouse, Goddess Parvati, the secret to immortality there in the Amarnath Cave. Legend has it that Lord Shiva chose to give this secret knowledge to her in this remote cave high in the Himalayas. The cave was hidden and inaccessible for many years before being rediscovered in the 18th century by a Muslim shepherd by the name of Buta Malik. According to the mythology, Buta Malik was handed a bag of coal by a sadhu (holy man), who ordered him to wait until he reached home before open it. Buta Malik discovered the coal had turned into gold when he opened the bag. He was so overwhelmed by this miracle
The Spiritual Journey to Kedarnath Temple: A Pilgrim's Guide to the Holiest Shiva Temple in the Himalayas
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| Kedarnath Temple |
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and is located in the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
The history of Kedarnath Temple dates back to ancient times and is shrouded in myth and legend. According to one popular legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata. The story goes that after the great battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas wanted to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for their sins during the war. However, Lord Shiva did not want to meet them and took the form of a bull and hid in the Himalayas. The Pandavas, who were determined to meet Lord Shiva, followed him to the Himalayas and ultimately found him in the form of a bull in Kedarnath. They then built the temple at the site where they found Lord Shiva.
Another legend states that the temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu philosopher, and theologian who lived in the 8th century CE. According to this legend, Adi Shankaracharya discovered the temple buried under snow and renovated it.
Historical records also suggest that the temple was visited by several rulers and emperors, including the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who is said to have visited the temple in the 3rd century BCE. The temple was also renovated and rebuilt several times over the centuries, with the latest renovation taking place after the devastating floods of 2013.
Today, Kedarnath Temple remains a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of devotees from all over India every year. The temple is open only for six months a year, from April to November, due to the extreme weather conditions in the Himalayas.
Events & Festival Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is a place of great religious and cultural significance, and several events and festivals are celebrated here throughout the year. Some of the major events and festivals celebrated at Kedarnath Temple are:
Kedarnath Temple Opening Ceremony: The opening ceremony of Kedarnath Temple takes place in April or May every year. This event marks the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra, and thousands of devotees visit the temple to witness the ceremony.
Char Dham Yatra: The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage tour that covers four holy places in Uttarakhand, including Kedarnath Temple. The yatra starts in April or May and continues till October or November, depending on the weather conditions.
Maha Shivaratri: Maha Shivaratri is a major festival celebrated at Kedarnath Temple in February or March. Devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva on this day, and it is considered to be one of the most auspicious days to visit the temple.
Rudra Abhishek: Rudra Abhishek is a ritual performed at Kedarnath Temple to appease Lord Shiva. It involves the recitation of Vedic hymns and the offering of various items, including flowers, fruits, and sweets.
Shravani Mela: Shravani Mela is a month-long festival celebrated in July or August. Devotees visit Kedarnath Temple during this festival to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and take holy dips in the nearby Ganges River.
Kedarnath Temple Closing Ceremony: The closing ceremony of Kedarnath Temple takes place in October or November every year. This event marks the end of the Char Dham Yatra, and the temple remains closed for the next six months due to extreme weather conditions in the region.
Things to know before visiting Kedarnath temple
If you are planning to visit Kedarnath Temple, here are some important things you should know:
Weather: The weather in Kedarnath is unpredictable and can change rapidly. It is important to check the weather forecast before you go and to pack accordingly. The temperature can drop below freezing at night, so warm clothing is essential.
Altitude: Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea level. If you are not accustomed to high altitudes, you may experience altitude sickness. It is important to take proper precautions and acclimatize yourself before visiting the temple.
Trekking: Kedarnath Temple is accessible only by a trek of about 14 km from Gaurikund. The trek is steep and can be challenging, especially for those who are not used to trekking. It is advisable to carry comfortable shoes and walking sticks.
Accommodation: There are several options for accommodation in Kedarnath, including guesthouses and dharamshalas. However, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance as the number of rooms is limited.
Food: There are several small restaurants and food stalls along the trekking route and in Kedarnath. However, it is advisable to carry some snacks and water with you as the food options are limited.
Photography: Photography is allowed inside the temple, but you need to take permission from the temple authorities. It is also important to be respectful of the temple and its surroundings while taking photographs.
Dress code: There is no specific dress code for visiting Kedarnath Temple, but it is advisable to wear modest and comfortable clothing. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and tight-fitting clothes are not allowed inside the temple.
Respect the temple: Kedarnath Temple is a holy site and it is important to be respectful of the temple and its traditions. Avoid taking photographs of the deity or touching the idol, and follow the instructions of the temple authorities.
How to reach Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, and is situated at an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea level. Here are the different ways to reach Kedarnath Temple:
By Trek: The most popular way to reach Kedarnath Temple is by trekking. The trek starts from a small town called Gaurikund, which is well connected by road to major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. The trek is about 14 km long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. Ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services are also available for those who cannot undertake the trek on foot.
By Helicopter: Helicopter services are available from Phata and Guptkashi to Kedarnath. The helicopter ride is about 10-15 minutes long and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. The helicopter services are available only during the Char Dham Yatra season, which is usually from April to November.
By Road: Kedarnath is well connected by road to major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. From these cities, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is in Haridwar, which is about 240 km away. From Haridwar, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath.
It is important to note that the road and helicopter services to Kedarnath are available only during the Char Dham Yatra season, which is usually from April to November. The temple remains closed during the winter months due to extreme weather conditions in the region.
Nearby Tourist destination around Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is situated in the Himalayas and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Here are some nearby tourist areas that you can visit:
Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude lake located at an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level. The lake is situated about 6 km from Kedarnath and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Gaurikund: Gaurikund is a small town located at the base of the trek to Kedarnath. It is a popular spot for pilgrims and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Sonprayag: Sonprayag is a small town located about 20 km from Kedarnath. It is the confluence of two rivers, Mandakini and Basuki, and is considered to be a sacred spot.
Triyuginarayan Temple: Triyuginarayan Temple is located about 25 km from Kedarnath and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married.
Chorabari Tal: Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level. The lake is situated about 3 km from Kedarnath and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Tungnath Temple: Tungnath Temple is located about 70 km from Kedarnath and is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
These are some of the nearby tourist areas that you can visit while you are in Kedarnath. The region is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
Amazing Facts about Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most revered and ancient Hindu temples in India. Here are some amazing facts about Kedarnath Temple:
The Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred Shiva temples in India.
The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era.
The temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest temples in India.
The temple is constructed using massive slabs of grey stones and is known for its unique architecture.
The temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall in the region. The idols are shifted to Ukhimath, where they are worshipped during the winter season.
The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva granted the Pandavas forgiveness for their sins after the Kurukshetra war.
The temple is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River, which is considered to be a sacred river in Hinduism.
The Kedarnath Temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including the Kedarnath Peak, which is the third-highest peak in India.
The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season, which is usually from April to November.
The temple is believed to be one of the most powerful places to perform meditation and is considered to be a gateway to salvation.
These are some of the amazing facts about Kedarnath Temple. The temple is a symbol of devotion and faith and is considered to be one of the holiest places in India.
Kedarnath temple visit timing
The timings for visiting Kedarnath Temple vary depending on the time of the year. The temple remains open only during the Char Dham Yatra season, which usually starts at the end of April or the beginning of May and ends in November before the onset of winter.
During the Char Dham Yatra season, the temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The darshan timings are divided into three slots:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Afternoon: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Evening: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
It is important to note that the darshan timings are subject to change depending on the rush of pilgrims and other circumstances.
It is advisable to plan your visit to Kedarnath Temple during the early hours of the morning or the evening to avoid the rush of pilgrims. It is also important to keep in mind the weather conditions and plan your visit accordingly.
During the winter season, the temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall in the region. The idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati are shifted to Ukhimath, where they are worshipped during the winter season.
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