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wildlife sanctuary
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Kedarnath
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Also known as: |
Holy place for Hindus |
Shopping: |
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History of: |
Vedic Times |
Population: |
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Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It
is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at
the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of lord Shiva,
the protector & the destroyer. Shiva is considered the embodiment of
all passions - love, hatred, fear, death & mysticism which are
expressed through his various forms.
Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light.
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This ancient and
magnificient temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This
temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over
a large rectangular platform.Ascending through the large gray steps
leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the
steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner
walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various
deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large
statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation
inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.
The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually
renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581
mt. it is a 14 km trek from gaurikund.
At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue
of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhimath,
and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at
this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims,
who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage. The shrine
closes on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens in Vaishakh
(Apr-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in
snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath.
Major Attractions
Vasuki Tal
Vasuki tal is one of the prettiest sights in Kedarnath, which is liked
for its glittering waters. A lake at an altitude of 4135 meters in the
midst of snowy mountains is a breath taking sight. Apart from its
awesome beauty, this pictorial lake provides the charming view of the
neighboring Chaukhamba peaks.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund also holds a hot water spring by the same name. The devotees
believe that a dip in this pond makes them pure and after that a holy
darshan in the shrine would fulfill all their wants. So all those who
are on a holy trip to Kedarnath shrine stop here for a while.
Sonparyag
Lies at an altitude of 1829 meters Son Prayag holds a captivating
appeal that grabs large number of tourists each year. This tiny hamlet
situates at the convergence of two majestic rivers, Mandakini and
Basuki. Bounded by lofty snow clad peaks, this place offers an
unruffled calmness.
Guptkashi
Famed for the Ardhanareeshwar and Viswanath temples, Gupt Kashi serves
as an ideal stopover place for the devotees to Kedarnath. As per Hindu
Mythology, Lord Shiva makes himself hidden here for some time. During
winter, the deity at the Kedarnath shrine proceeds through this place
to its winter abode. Viswanath is one among the many incarnations of
Lord Shiva. Viswanath literally means the lord of the Universe. The
temple premises reflect the architectural style of the bygone eras.
Chopta
Yet another fascinating trek through the snowy environ that is what
Chopta offers. A remote locale on the high ranges of the Himalayas is
bestowed with eye catching spectacles of the majestic mountains and
lush meadows. This picture book location at an altitude of 2900 meters
provides unblemished surroundings to the visitors. Chopta comes under
the protected area of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and so it is a
natural habitat for many of the rare species in the animal kingdom.
Distance
from major cities
Delhi |
446 Kms |
Rishikesh |
221 Kms |
Dehradun |
239 Kms |
How to reach there
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Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is
the nearest airport to Kedarnath (239 Kms). |
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Rishikesh Railway Station is the
nearest major rail station to Kedarnath. |
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Kedarnath is well connected with
national highway from Delhi. |
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