Kedarnath Temple Tour

Front view of Kedarnath Temple

The holy city of Kedarnath is situated 3581 meters above sea level, on the bank of the river Mandakini. Amidst the spectacular mountain ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas stands one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Kedar or Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic – Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas sought the blessing of Lord Shiva to atone their sins 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 the ground, leaving behind his hump on the surface. This conical protusion is worshipped as the idol in the shrine. The remaining portion of the Lord Shiva are worshipped at four places the arms (bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukha) at Rudranath, naval (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. Together with Kedarnath, these places are known as the Panch Kedar.


  • About Kedarnath Temple


    The present temple, built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Guru Shankaracharya lies adjancent to the site of an ancient temple built by Pandavas. The wall of the exquisitely architectured temple are embellished with figures of deities and scene from mythology. The Temple has a conical lingam. The main idol, a statue of Nandi - the celestial bull, a garbha griha for worship and a mandap for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 year old.

  • Places visit near Kedarnath Temple


    Shankaracharya Samadhi
    Behind the Kedarnath Temple lies the samadhi or the final resting place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It is believed, after establishing the four dham in India, he went for his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.

    Vasuki Tal (6 kms)
    A picturesque lake, 4135 mts. Above seal level is enriched by lofty mountains and offers a commanding view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

    Gandhi Sarovar
    A small lake from where Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, is believed to have departed to heaven. The floating ice on the sparkling waters of the lake is a fascinating sight.

    Sonprayag (20 kms)
    The confluence of Sone Ganga and Mandakini rivers.

    Triyunginarayan (31 kms)
    A 5 kms trek from Sonprayag, it is the mythological venue of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. An eternal flame, which is said to have been a witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today.