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Kedarnath
: The celestial Jyotirlingam
 Amidst
the mountainscape of the majestic Kedarnath Range stands one
of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Kedar or Lord Shiva, lying at an
altitude of 3584 mts. On the head of river Mandakini, shrine
of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.
The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great
epic - MAHABHARATA. According to the legend, the Pandavas
sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins after
the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly
and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnth in the form of a
Bull. On being followed, he dived into the ground, leaving
behind his hump on the surface. This conical protrusion is
worshipped as the idol in the shrine.
The remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped at 4 other
places-
- the Arms (Bahu) at Tungnath
- Mouth (mukh) at Rudranath
- Navel (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and
- Hair (jata) at Kalpeshwer.
Together with Kedarnath, these places are known as Panch Kedar.
The Lingam at Kedarnth is pyramidical, unlike its usual form,
A statue of Nandi - the celestial bull stands at the entrance
of the temple and exquisitely carved images adorn the interiors
of the temple.
During the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow and henve
is closed. The ideal time to visit is between May to October.
Kedarnath is reached through a 14 Kms trek from Gaurikund.
General
Information
Area:
3sq.km.
Rainfall:
1475 mm.
Season:
May to October
Clothing:
Summer - Light Woolen, Winter - Heavy Woollen
Languages:
Garhwali,
Hindi & English
:
Nearest Airport, Jollygrant, 239 kms.
Nearest Railway station, Rishikesh, 221 kms.
Kedarnath is approachable on foot from Gaurikund, which is
connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Hardwar
and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon hills.
Horses, Dandies and Ponies are available at Gaurikund for
going and carrying luggage to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath
Rudranath
Kalpeshwar
Tungnath
Madmaheshwar
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