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About Kedarnath
Kedarnath ji is one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" of Lord Shiva and one of the sacred parts of the holy Chardham circuit in Uttarakhand. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva which means Powerful. The temple is located in the middle of the Garhwal Himalayas, at a height of approximately 3,580 meters above sea level, and is circled by snow-clad mountains that can be viewed from the site.
When the battle of Kurukshetra ended, the Pandavas began their journey to Varanasi. They needed the blessings of Lord Shiva to free themselves from the sin of killing their own kin, the Kauravas. Lord Shiva did not wish to appear before them, and moved on from Kashi to take shelter in Guptkashi. The Pandavas tried to bring him back through meditation, but Shiva fled once again, this time to Kedarnath. The Pandavas followed him there too and continued their meditation without giving up.
To hide from them, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull and hid among a herd of grazing cattle. One of the Pandavas, Bhima, with great courage, stretched his legs across the mountains to identify Shiva among the herd. All the cattle passed under his legs except one. Bhima recognised this as Shiva and tried to catch him, but Shiva began sinking into the earth, leaving only his hump behind. Pleased by the Pandavas' determination, Shiva forgave them and blessed them, asking that his hump be worshipped at this site. To this day, the hump of Lord Shiva is worshipped in conical form at the Kedarnath shrine.
Kedarnath Quick Facts
| Altitude | Approx. 3,580 metres (11,750 ft) |
| District | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand |
| Base point | Gaurikund |
| Trek distance | Approx. 20-22 km one side (verify current distance closer to your travel date) |
| Trek options | On foot, pony/mule, or doli (palanquin) |
| Deity | Lord Shiva, worshipped as a Jyotirlinga |
| Winter closure | Deity moved to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath |
Panch (Five) Kedar
Panch Kedar refers to five ancient Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas, each believed to house a different part of Lord Shiva's body from the time he tried to evade the Pandavas in the form of a bull. Together, these five shrines form one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits for Shiva devotees, distinct from the river-confluence sites known as Panch Prayag. A Panch Kedar yatra is considered a true test of devotion and endurance, not a casual trip.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath, where the hump of Lord Shiva is worshipped, is the principal and most visited of the five Panch Kedar temples and also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It sits at approximately 3,580 metres and is reached via the Gaurikund trek.
Tungnath
Tungnath, where the arms of Lord Shiva are worshipped, is the highest of the Panch Kedar temples at approximately 3,680 metres, and is often described as the highest Shiva temple in the world. It lies on a short trek from Chopta and also serves as the base for the Chandrashila summit trail.
Rudranath
Rudranath, where the face of Lord Shiva is worshipped, sits at around 2,286 metres amid dense forest and meadows, and is reached via a trek from Sagar village. It is considered one of the more remote and less-crowded Panch Kedar shrines.
Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar, where the navel of Lord Shiva is worshipped, is located at approximately 3,497 metres and is reached via a trek from Ukhimath through the village of Gaundar, surrounded by views of the Chaukhamba peaks.
Kalpeshwar
Kalpeshwar, where the matted locks (jata) of Lord Shiva are worshipped, is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible year-round, as it sits at a comparatively lower altitude of around 2,200 metres near the Urgam Valley.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple typically opens around Akshaya Tritiya (late April or early May) and closes around Bhai Dooj (late October or early November), following the Hindu lunar calendar. May-June and September-October are the most comfortable months for pilgrims, avoiding both the heavy monsoon rains of July-August and the winter snow.
How to Reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath has no direct motorable road to the temple itself. Pilgrims travel by road up to Gaurikund / Sonprayag, and cover the remaining mountain trail on foot, by pony, or by palanquin (doli).
Frequently Asked Questions - Kedarnath
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The above package cost includes
- Including Accommodation, Transportation & Meals.
- Accommodation on family basis Rooms with attached Bathroom.
- All places are double sharing Deluxe Room.
- The above hotels are subject to availability, in case of non availability similar hotels will provide.
- Transport: By 2*1 12 Seater push back tempo traveller (Incl Toll Tax & Parking) with Good Driver.
- (Break Fast,lunch, Dinner) pure, Gujarati, Rajsathani, Marwadi,Jain, South Indian food.
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The above package cost does not includes
- Any Expenses of personal Telephone calls, camera charges, Laundry, Entrance fees, Rope way, Porter and Pony.
- Guide charges
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Travel Tips:-
- Advance hotel booking are must.
- Carry snacks with you in case of long traffic jams/ land slides.
- Carry drinking Water, and medicines with you.
- Respect customs of local.
- Carry Rain Coat/ Umbrella, Torch, minimum luggage with you.
- Carry enough of winter clothing as it gets cold in Badrinath & Kedarnath.
- In case of any serious Medical Emergency, CALL 108 (The mobile emergency service from GOVERNMENT OF UTTARAKHAND), don't make fake calls, as it is punishable offence
