Kedarnath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four Char Dhams, or pilgrimage sites, of Hinduism. The temple is situated at an altitude of 11,755 feet (3,583 m) in the Kedarnath Valley, on the Garhwal Himalayan range.

The Kedarnath temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture, and is made of stone and wood. The temple has a single spire, and is surrounded by a number of smaller shrines.

The main deity of the Kedarnath temple is a Jyotirlinga, or a representation of Lord Shiva in the form of a fiery column. The Jyotirlinga is said to have appeared to the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, after they had won the war against their cousins, the Kauravas.

The Kedarnath temple is a popular pilgrimage destination, and is visited by millions of Hindus every year. The temple is open from April to October, and is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

There are a number of legends associated with the Kedarnath temple. One legend says that the Pandavas, after winning the war against the Kauravas, were cursed by their uncle, Bhishma Pitamah, to be born as worms. The Pandavas, in order to escape the curse, sought the help of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared to them in the form of a Jyotirlinga, and told them that they would be freed from the curse if they built a temple in his name. The Pandavas built the Kedarnath temple, and were freed from the curse.

Another legend says that the Kedarnath temple is located at the spot where Lord Shiva meditated for a thousand years. During his meditation, Lord Shiva attained moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The Kedarnath temple is a beautiful and sacred place, and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the world. The temple is a reminder of the power of faith, and the importance of pilgrimage in Hinduism.

How to reach Kedarnath

The Kedarnath temple can be reached by road, rail, or air.

By road: The nearest roadhead to Kedarnath is Gaurikund, which is 16 kilometers away. The road from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is steep and winding, and is only accessible by a four-wheel drive vehicle.

By rail: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, which is 230 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, pilgrims can take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund.

By air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 320 kilometers away. From Dehradun, pilgrims can take a bus or taxi to Rishikesh.

Things to do in Kedarnath

• Visit the Kedarnath temple: The Kedarnath temple is the main attraction of Kedarnath. Pilgrims can visit the temple and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.
• Trek to Kedarnath: The trek to Kedarnath is a challenging but rewarding experience. The trek offers stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Visit the other Char Dhams: The Kedarnath temple is one of the four Char Dhams, or pilgrimage sites, of Hinduism. The other three Char Dhams are Badrinath, Puri, and Rameswaram. Pilgrims can visit all four Char Dhams in a single trip.
• Visit the nearby towns: There are a number of nearby towns that pilgrims can visit, such as Gaurikund, Badrinath, and Rishikesh. These towns offer a variety of accommodation and dining options, as well as a number of tourist attractions.

Tips for visiting Kedarnath

• Kedarnath is a high-altitude place, so it is important to acclimatize before visiting.
• It is also important to carry warm clothes, as the weather in Kedarnath can be cold.
• Pilgrims should also carry a first-aid kit, as there are no hospitals or clinics in Kedarnath.
• It is advisable to hire a guide or porter to help you reach the temple, as the trek can be difficult.
• Pilgrims should also be aware of the risks of altitude sickness, and should descend to a lower altitude if they start to feel unwell.