Interesting Facts About Kedarnath Dham

Kedarnath in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand holds a unique position in the hearts of Shiv bhakts. The Kedarnath temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingams in India and one of the four Chardham in Uttarakhand. Located at a height of 3583 metres and about 223 kilometres from Rishikesh, it is the toughest leg of the char Dham Yatra and it is no surprise that many pilgrims choose to travel by pony or palanquin or fly by helicopter rather than trek 14 kilometres up the steep and winding path leading to the temple. The temple is on the banks of the Mandakini River, one of the holiest of rivers that goes on to meet the Ganga downstream. There are myths and legends associated with the temple and there are facts that you should know if you intend to make a pilgrimage.

Kedarnath Temple

It is Tough

You can travel by road only up to a point and that point is Gaurikund where one must stay overnight if one wishes to attend the morning Aarti and Darshan and it is better than looking for hotels in Kedarnath, which is a small village-town. From here you trek 13 to 14 km or take a pony or ride in a palanquin. Walking over winding steep paths up to Kedarnath is only for the fittest and it could take a whole day.

Divine Protection

The flash floods in 2013 caused havoc and also destroyed parts of the platform but left the temple untouched. Some ascribe it to divine protection of Lord Shiva while some who are more practical ascribe it to the presence of a large rock behind the temple that diverted waters.

Kedarnath Temple Night View

Darshan Times are Limited

The temple opens for pilgrims on Akshay Tritiya day and closes after bhai dooj after Diwali. When the temple is open for pilgrims they can have a Darshan starting at 7 AM in the morning. Unlike other temples where Aarti is performed in the morning, the main ceremonies are performed here between 1 PM to 2 PM after which the Lord rests. Ceremonies include Prathah Kalik Pooja (morning prayers), Maha Abhishek, Abhishek, Laghu Rudrabhishek, Shodashopachara pooja, Ashtopachar pooja, full aarti, Pandav Pooja, Ganesh Pooja, Bhairav pooja, Parvati pooja, Shiv sahasranama pooja, etc. The temple again reopens at 5 PM and stays open up to 8.30 PM with the idol of kedarnath on display between 7.30 PM and 8.30 PM. Possibly it is arranged so that those who trek all day long are rewarded with a Darshan when he arrive. In winter the idol is brought down to Ukhimath. Even the roads to Kedarnath are closed during winter due to dangers of landslides and heavy snow blocking the roads.'

The Presiding Priests are from Karnataka

The head priests are from the Veerashaiva community of Karnataka and are known as Rawals. The Rawal does not perform the ceremony but conducts it with the help of other priests.

Baba Kedar Doli

There is an Idol Here!

In almost all shiv temples across India the only way Shiva is represented is in the form of a triangular lingam. Kedarnath is unique in that there is a statue of the Lord here that people worship along with the ever present Lingam. Keeping Shiva company are idols of the Pandavas including Draupadi, Lord Krishna, Nandi and Virabhadra, one of his guards.

Kedarnath Could Also be a Vishnudham

This is perhaps rooted in legend. It is believed Nar Narayan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu resided here and created a Shivling and prayed to Lord Shiv who descended and granted the wish that he reside in the lingam. Shiv then occupied this abode of Vishnu and called the place Kedar.

You Must Have a Receipt Before Pooja!

It is not like any other temple where you can just walk in, offer pooja and be on your way. First you have to obtain a receipt and then only they are permitted inside the sanctum.