Nestled in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, Kedarnath Temple stands as one of the most revered spiritual destinations for Hindus and an architectural marvel that has withstood the test of time. Located at an elevation of 3,583 meters above sea level, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva draws thousands of pilgrims each year, despite its remote location and challenging trek.
The Kedarnath Temple is accessible only from April to November due to heavy snowfall in the winter. The temple opens with special festivities and remains crowded until it closes before winter. Visiting during May or September can help avoid peak crowds, offering a more peaceful experience..
Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, sacred shrines of Shiva, and is believed to be built by
the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war. Later, it
was said to be revived and reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
According to
legend, Lord Shiva transformed into a bull to evade the Pandavas and, when they recognized him, dived into
the ground, leaving behind the hump that forms the sanctum of the Kedarnath Temple.