Kedarnath Dham Travel Guide – Location, Timing & How to Reach

This is a Kedarnath Dham travel guide. So, if you are planning to go there, this blog can be helpful for you.

Kedarnath Dham Overview

Are you in a hurry? Check out the given story.

One of India’s most revered holy sites, Kedarnath hamlet, is nestled away in the imposing Garhwal Himalayas. The village, which is centred around the famed Kedarnath temple, is situated close to the Chorabari mountain, which is where the Mandakini river originates, at an elevation of 3,580 metres.

The magnificently designed old temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, is made of extraordinarily big yet uniformly formed grey stone slabs. Within the temple, a conical metamorphic rock is revered as Lord Shiva in his “Sadashiva” form. One of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas in India is the Lord Shiva mandir at Kedarnath, which is a stop on the Char Dham pilgrimage route.

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History of Shri Kedarnath Dham

A stone structure of undetermined age, the temple is located on the banks of the Mandakini Riverbed, a branch of the Ganga, at an elevation of 3,583 meters, 223 kilometres from Rishikesh.

It is unknown when and by whom the ancient Kedarnath shrine was constructed. This translates to “the king of the field.” According to the scripture Kashi Kedara Mahatmya, here is where “the harvest of emancipation” blooms, which is why it has this name.

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Kedarnath Dham Architecture

The massive grey stones that make up Kedarnath Temple are massive. Iron hooks are used to connect the stone slabs to one another. The temple was built without the use of concrete.

The majestic Kedarnath is the Kedarnath mandir’s most important component. It consists of a cylindrical pedestal with a 3.6 m (12 ft) radius and a 3.6 m (12 ft) height that supports an irregularly formed lingam.

Places to See around Shri Kedarnath Temple

There are so many temples in Uttrakhand, among them, Kedarnath Dham is very popular. Let’s know what are other tourist places near the Shri Kedarnath Dham.

1. Sonprayag

At a height of 1829 metres, Sonprayag is renowned as the location of Lord Shiva’s as well as Goddess Parvati’s wedding. Along with being surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains, it is also where the rivers Mandakini and Basuki converge. There is a notion that by simply touching the water, followers can reach Baikunt Dham.

2. Bhairavnath Temple

The venerated Hindu deity Lord Bhairav is housed in the Bhairavnath Temple, which is 500 metres south of the Kedarnath Temple.

It gives stunning panoramas of the encircling mountains and the Kedarnath basin below because it is positioned on the summit of a mound. Because Lord Bhairav is said to be Lord Shiva’s primary gana, the shrine is of much greater significance.

The temple’s main god, often referred to as Kshetrapal or even the area’s protector, rides a dog and wields a Trishul as a sword.

3. Chorabari Lake

Chorabari Lake, also known as Gandhi Tal, is a beautiful lake that is situated 3 kilometres from the Temple Complex in Uttarakhand. Along with the regular worshippers, the stunning lake’s crystal clear beauty attracts a large number of visitors from far and wide.

The lake is positioned at a lofty elevation of 3900 metres above sea level, nestled cosily against the majestic Himalayas. From the Kedarnath Mandir, a short hike will take you to Chorabari Tal, which rises first from Chorabari Bamak Ice.

4. Syalsaur

At an altitude of around 820m above sea level and about 160 kilometres from Haridwar, Syalsaur is located on the shores of the Mandakini Stream, a branch of the Alokananda body of water.

Syalsaur, a charming hill town in Uttarakhand, is a developing tourist destination that is now spared from overcrowded foot traffic. This little hamlet, which is a portion of the Rudraprayag district in North India, is a paradise for bird watchers.

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Interesting facts about Shri Kedarnath Temple

1. Be equipped for the longest and most difficult journey of the four Dhams, Kedarnath.
2. Despite the fact that you are trekking during the summer, Kedarnath may have freezing weather. Bring plenty of warm clothing, then.
3. There is a potential that you will have altitude sickness because Kedarnath is located at a high altitude. Carry the necessary medications, such as Diamox.
4. Bring hiking equipment, rainproof clothing, and footwear so you can safely reach the temple during the rainy season when the Kedarnath trekking route may become difficult.
5. When trekking, it is important to include glucose, hydration, or any other food that can provide quick energy, such as a chocolate bar.
6. They were able to locate Lord Shiva in Guptkashi, where he was sheltering while posing as the bull Nandi.
7. The most well-known narrative surrounding Kedarnath took place during the time of the Pandavas, who, on the guidance of Lord Krishna, went to Lord Shiva to ask for atonement for slaying their half-brothers, the Kauravas, in the terrible conflict.
8. The temple is thought to have been constructed near the site where the Pandavas of the Mahabharata legend are said to have constructed a temple.

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Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple Uttarakhand

Due to its height and geographic position, Kedarnath Temple is available to visitors for a duration of 6 months. The doors of this holy Hindu sanctuary at a high height are opened around the conclusion of April or the start of May.

During Diwali, the temple shutters, and the god is taken to Ukhimath, where it is worshipped for the remainder of the winter season. Consequently, April to mid-June and October to mid-November are the most appropriate months to visit Kedarnath Dham. Devotees can visit the temple from 4 AM to 9 PM and worship god. 

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How to Reach Kedarnath Temple Uttarakhand

1. By Road

The highway to Kedarnath terminates at Gaurikund, where a short 14-kilometre hike begins. Motorable highways link Gaurikund with the main cities in Uttarakhand and the northern Indian states. Through ISBT Kashmiri Gateway in Delhi, buses are accessible to Rishikesh and Srinagar.

2. By Train

Rishikesh is the station that is closest to Kedarnath. Located on NH58, Rishikesh Train Station is 216 kilometres from Kedarnath. The railway system connects Rishikesh with the main cities in India.

In Rishikesh, trains run often. Rishikesh and Gaurikund are well interconnected by highways. Buses and taxis may be easily found to travel between Rishikesh and Gaurikund.

3. By Air

The closest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant, which is located 238 kilometres away. With frequent flights, Jolly Grant Airport is well-linked to Delhi. Jolly Grant Airport and Gaurikund are well accessible by road. From Jolly Grant Airport, cabs are easily accessible to Gaurikund.

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Why is Kedarnath Temple famous?

In Uttarakhand alone, there are more than 200 Shiva temples, with Kedarnath being the most significant. Legend has it that after defeating the Kauravas in the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas felt sorry for killing their own family and begged Lord Shiva’s forgiveness.

Lord Shiva’s other components made their appearances in four further locations, where they are revered as his incarnations.

At Tungnath, the Lord’s limbs could be seen; at Rudranath, his forehead; at Madmaheshwar, his belly; and at Kalpeshwar, his tresses (hair) and head could be seen. The Kedarnath shrine and the four others are referred to as the Panch Kedar.

FAQs – Kedarnath Dham Travel Guide

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