Located on the Garhwal Himalayan Range in the Rudraprayag District, Kedarnath is one of the most sacred temples and the holiest Hindu pilgrimages in India. A part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is the most important among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedarnath Temple can only be reached from Gaurikund through a trek and remains open only for six months from April to November, due to heavy snowfall in the region the rest of the months.
During the winters from November to May, the diety is shifted from Kedarnath Temple to Ukhitmath and is worshipped there. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector, and the destroyer, and it's believed that a journey to Kedarnath provides one "Moksha" or salvation. Set amidst the snow-clad mountains near Chorabari Glacier with Mandakini River flowing in front of it, Kedarnath witnesses lakhs of devotees every year due to its religious significance.
The present Kedarnath Temple is believed to be re-constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, initially built by the Pandavas thousand years ago from enormous stone slabs over a large rectangular dais.
Kedarnath Temple can only be reached by a trek from Gaurikund which is the last motorable road from Kedarnath. The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is in Rishikesh at a distance of 216 km while the nearest airport is in Dehradun located around 240 km away. Taxis are easily available to travel to Gaurikund, the base of Kedarnath Yatra. Gaurikund is also well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand and New Delhi.
The best time to visit Kedarnath is between September to October and May to June when the snow has melted and the rainfall is also not there. Kedarnath remains closed for 6 months from November to March each year due to snowfall in the region. During this time the temperature ranges around 5 degrees Celcius to 18 degrees Celcius. Pre-winter months from September to October is another good time to visit Kedarnath Temple. Monsoon season in Kedarnath lasts from July to August and bring heavy rainfall, causing landslides and hindrance.
Kedarnath is ancient and magnificent temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range, is over a thousand years old, 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. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. 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.
Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountain scape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow – covered mountains, and during summer grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling.