One of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is amongst the premier pilgrimage centres in the country.

Situated at and altitude of 3,581 mts. above sea level, against the backdrop of the awe-inspring Kedarnath range , the temple of Sri Kedarnath is visited by hundreds of devotees every year.

It was at Kedarnath, narrates the epic Mahabharat, that Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, departed to Heaven; another legend has is that the Pandavas of the Mahabharat epic underwent severe penances here to atone the killings of their kith and kin in the great battle of Kurukshetra and so estanlished this shrine.

At the entrance to the temple is a statue of Nandi, the divine the bull. The interiors of the Kedarnath temple are exquisitely carved with images

MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KEDARNATH

Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath temple was built back in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya and stands adjacent to the temple that was built by Pandavas. The walls of this temple are decorated with the figures of deities and scenes from mythology. This temple comprises of 'garbha grab' with the conical lingam and a 'mandap' for assemblies of piligrims and visitors. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old.

Shankaracharya Samadhi
Behind the Kedarnath Temple lies the final resting place or Samadhi of Guru Shankaracharya. According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that at an early age of 32 years after establishing the char dhams in India, he went for his Samadhi.

EXCURSIONS FROM KEDARNATH
Chorabari (Gandhi Sarover)
According to Hindu Legends, Gandhi Sarovar is a small lake from where Yudhishthir, you take enjoy camping at himalaya hills the eldest of the Pandavas is believed to have moved to heaven. The floating ice on the sparkling waters is an amazing sight that attracts tourists from all over the country and abroad.

Vasuki Tal
Located about 4135 meters above sea level and surrounded by lofty mountains, Vasuki Tal is a picturesque lake which offers a commanding view of the Chaukumbha peaks.

Gaurikund
To reach Kedarnath, Gaurikund is the main trekking base. From Gaurikund, there is a 14 kms long stretch after which the pilgrims reach Kedarnath.

Triyuginarayan
Triyuginarayan, 5 kms trek from Sonprayag is the mythological place of marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that an eternal flame which is said to have been a proof to their marriage burns in front of the temple even today.

Deoria Tal
Sari Village on the Chopta-Ukhimath road is the last bus terminus from where a 2 km trek leads to Deoria lake. Situated at an altitude of 2348 meters, this beautiful lake gives the spectacular reflection of the snow capped mountains in the lake water. If you are a nature lover then this is the right choice.


HOW TO REACH KEDARNATH

By Air : The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant which is situated at a distance of about 251 kms from there.

By Rail :The nearest railhead to Kedarnath is Rishikesh at a distance of 234 kms.

By Road : Kedarnath is well approachable by foot or ponies from Gaurikund, which is connected by road to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon.

Best Time to Visit KEDARNATH :The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May-October as during the winter season it gets closed.