Sacred Hindu pilgrimage site: Kedarnath Dham is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
High altitude location: Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayan range of Uttarakhand, India. Its remote and picturesque location adds to its spiritual significance.
Ancient history: The temple at Kedarnath is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata, around 1,000 BCE. It is said to have been revived and reconstructed several times over the centuries.
Challenging pilgrimage route: The journey to Kedarnath involves a challenging trek of approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Gaurikund. Pilgrims have to traverse steep and rocky paths, making it a test of physical endurance and devotion.
Snowbound during winter: Due to its high altitude, Kedarnath remains inaccessible for about six months each year. Heavy snowfall during winter months (November to April) covers the region, and the temple is closed during this period.
Scenic beauty: The Kedarnath region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys, it offers stunning views of the majestic Himalayas and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
Temple architecture: The Kedarnath temple is a remarkable example of ancient stone temple architecture. Built using large stone slabs, it has a unique construction style that has withstood the test of time and natural calamities.
Panch Kedar: Kedarnath is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand. The circuit includes five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the other four are Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.
2013 Uttarakhand floods: In 2013, Kedarnath and its surrounding areas were severely affected by devastating floods and landslides. The temple complex suffered significant damage, but efforts were made to restore and rebuild it, and it reopened for pilgrims in 2015.