Kedarnath Temple is nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. It is one of the most religious Dhams in India. The Kedarnath temple is devoted to lord shiva. This holy temple is seated in a breathtaking location and is near the source of the Mandakini river and is at a good height of 3584 meters. This temple is the major temple among the Panch Kedar- a group of five Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas. The grand structure of lord shiva’s shrine is built of grey stone. In Kedarnath tour package, can witness the astounding views of snowy peaks, alpine meadows, and delightful forests of rhododendrons. One can see the large stone statue of Nandi Bull staring at the shrine, guarding it. The temple has one Garbha Griha that houses the primary idol of Lord shiva. The Mandapa section of the shrine has the idols of Lord Krishna, Pandavas, Draupadi and Kunti.
According to the mythology, Nara-Narayana requested Lord Shiva to reside here, to which lord shiva agreed. According to the Legend Pandavas, on the advice of sage Vyasa came here to ask forgiveness for killing their kith and kins in the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva thought otherwise and turned into a bull and camouflaged himself among the cattle, but on being recognized by Pandavas, sank himself into the ground going head-first. It was Bhima who caught him by the tail forcing lord shiva to appear before them and forgive them. Pandavas then constructed the temple at Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Dham Yatra
Kedarnath Dham is accessible from prominent places of Uttarakhand state. The motorable road towards this temple stretches till Gauri Kund. After this, the devotees need to take a 16 kms trek towards this holy temple. One can even avail of the ponies and palanquins facility to reach this temple. Helicopter service is also available for Kedarnath.
With the arrival of the winter season, the portals of the Kedarnath temple are closed on the first day of Karthik that is October/November. The temple is opened again after six months in the Vaisakh that is the April/May period of the Hindu calendar.
Importance of Kedarnath Yatra
Paying a visit to the holy Kedarnath temple is an integral part of the popular Chardham Yatra in Uttrakhand state. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is among one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. Every year several pilgrims visit the Kedarnath temple. The devotees worship lord shiva for health, longevity, and to increase spiritual strength and moksha. It is truly one of the famous and most sacred pilgrimage centers of India. It is believed that praying here Lord shiva fulfills one’s desires and relieves one from sins and evil forces. During the winter season, the deity is brought down to Ukhimat village and the temple at this time remains close. When the weather condition improves the deity is brought back to the Kedarnath temple with rituals.
Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter
Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter is the convenient and fastest way to pay a visit to the Kedarnath temple in a short time. A helicopter tour is ideal for those who have a shortage of time and for those also who are facing health issues and are not able to perform pilgrimage relatively quick. The helicopter operates from Sahastradhara, Dehradun helipad every morning for the temple and returns to the city every evening. You will depart from Sahstradhara helipad, Dehradun. After landing at Guptkashi/ Phata helipad from Gangotri after changing the helicopter you will be heading towards Kedarnath which is almost 10 minutes away from Guptkashi. Here witness the views of the astonishing beauty of the Himalayas, tranquil nature pretty sky, mountains all covered with snow. You will be then heading towards Jal Abhishek and VIP darshan at Kedarnath temple. After Darshan, you will head from Kedarnath to Sahastradhara helipad, Dehradun with some sweet memories.
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