JOURNEY
Kedarnath is a town and Nagar Panchayat in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand (India) which is mainly famous for the Kedarnath Temple. It is approximately 86.5 kilometers from Rudraprayag, the district headquarters. Kedarnath yatra is a dream for every devotee of Lord Shiva, no matter what the difficulties they face in their journey but they reach there with love and believe in lord shiva. No doubt, devotees are welcomed with a long queue at Sonprayag but again their love and faith in lord shiva helps them to overcome this obstacle.
One of the first things people notice in their Kedarnath yatra is the drop in temperature because there are extreme weather conditions in that location. That’s Why, people prefer to visit at a specific time during the year which we have mentioned below on this page.
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IMPORTANTS
The Kedarnath Yatra is a special journey for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Only devotees of Lord Shiva can define the place they have for this holy yatra in their heat. Kedarnath temple is seen as the most sacred pilgrimage that Hindu’s can undertake.
The journey becomes particularly meaningful when you got to know that Kedarnath is believed to be where Lord Shiva manifested his divine form as a Jyotirlinga.
If we go by ancient hindu texts, kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas present across India which makes it an exceptionally holy place. The Pandavas went to Lord Shiva to request to forgive them for their sins after the Mahabharata war. Shiva, wanting to avoid them, turned into a bull. But when they found him, he jumped into the ground. His hump stayed above the ground at Kedarnath.
The Kedarnath Yatra is special because it requires both physical energy and mental focus. It is not just about reaching the temple but about enjoying the trek, nature & peaceful surroundings. When devotees walk in their Kedarnath yatra through the tough path in high mountains, they feel it like meditation where their breaths become a prayer.
Along with this, the Kedarnath Yatra is very important for people looking for moksha in this human life. Most of the devotees believe that visiting this place with true devotion and honesty can help them to achieve liberation from the cycle of life. The tough journey, with its steep paths, thin air & harsh weather teaches lessons about staying strong, having faith & trusting Lord Shiva.
TIMING
The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is from May to October because during this period weather is mild and devotees can easily explore and perform outdoor activities.
Here are some tips from people who have already visited Kedarnath Temple:
When you plan your kedarnath booking you will find that there are so many places to explore beyond the main temple. Let us walk through some incredible spots that you should absolutely visit during your Kedarnath Yatra.
Gaurikund is just 16 km from Kedarnath which is the starting point of the trek. It is special because Goddess Parvati meditated here. Plus, you can relax in the hot water springs before continuing your journey!
Bhairav temple is only 500 meters from Kedarnath Temple. This temple is dedicated to Bhairav Baba who is considered as a fierce form of Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Bhairav Baba protects the Kedarnath region. When you visit this temple, you will see the beautiful surroundings of the temple.
Triyuginarayan Temple is just 25 km away from Kedarnath and is a must visit place for everyone. People believe this is where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. There is also a fire here that has been burning for years.
Sonprayag is a holy place on the way to Kedarnath which is just 20 km from it. The name ‘Prayag’ means the meeting point of rivers & here, the Basuki and Mandakini rivers come together. Many pilgrims stop at Sonprayag to enjoy its calm surroundings and beautiful views.
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi is only 100 meters away from Kedarnath Temple. It is the resting place of the famous philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, who strengthened Hinduism and started the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Rudra Cave is just 1.5 km from Kedarnath Temple and holds special spiritual meaning connected to Lord Shiva. People believe that Adi Shankaracharya meditated here to find spiritual enlightenment. The cave is about five meters long, three meters wide, and sits at a height of 12,250 feet.
Vasuki Tal Lake is a peaceful and beautiful high-altitude lake located at about 4,135 meters near Kedarnath. It is said that Lord Vishnu bathed here to cleanse his sins. Surrounded by snowy peaks and a calm, clean environment, it’s a favorite spot for trekkers and pilgrims.
