Kedarnath…(Kedarnath)
Dehradun, Jagran Digital Desk. Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is known for its famous temples. From Char Dham to Panch Prayag, all are located in Uttarakhand. It is said that gods reside in Uttarakhand. Among all these temples, there is one temple which has become the identity of this state. The name is Kedarnath Dham. This temple of Baba Kedar is one of those religious places in Uttarakhand where every Indian dreams of visiting. If you are a devotee of Lord Bholenath then you must visit Kedarnath Dham. Kedarnath Temple is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state of India.
Kedarnath Dham is the most famous temple of Hindus. Kedarnath Temple in the lap of the Himalayan Mountains in Uttarakhand is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The path to reach Kedarnath Dham is as difficult as it is fascinating. Kedarnath Dham, situated amidst the beauty of natural waterfalls and mountains as well as snow-clad hills, is the most sacred place for Shiva devotees. The doors of Kedarnath Dham open only for a fixed time and lakhs of devotees come to see Baba Kedar. Although you might know a lot about Kedarnath Dham, we will tell you about the mystery of Kedarnath Dham from its construction till it was covered under snow for 400 years…
Baba Kedar remains covered with snow for six months
People have to wait for a fixed time to visit Kedarnath temple. Cedar Valley is covered with snow during winter. Due to severe snowfall,l it is difficult to reach here, hence the temple is closed for six months. The Muhurta for the opening and closing of Kedarnath temple is determined. Till now this temple mostly closes before the 15th of November and opens after six months i.e. after Vaishakhi (13-14 April).
That means this temple remains closed for six months in a year and the doors of this temple are opened for darshan for six months. Before the doors of Kedarnath are opened, it is decorated grandly and the Chief Minister of the state himself is present there on the day of the opening of the doors.
The devastation caused by the 2013 ‘Deluge’
The year 2013 is no less than a curse for Kedarnath located in Uttarakhand. It is said that when nature shows its fierce form, nothing can stand before it. The cataclysm of 2013 caused devastation in Kedarnath. This year the disaster completed 10 years. The disaster that occurred on 16-17 June 2013 resulted in thousands of deaths. Here, heavy debris and huge boulders flowing from the cloudburst in Chaurabari Lake had caused devastation. At that time no one had thought that the Mandakini river flowing peacefully in the Dham would take a monstrous form and create havoc.
The river made its new course and then a scene of devastation was seen. Kedarnath temple also suffered some damage in this flood, but the temple remained standing even in the flood. Bodies of 4700 pilgrims were recovered in this deluge. While more than five thousand had gone missing. The picture of Kedarnath Dham has changed in these ten years. Now this Shiva temple has become more grand and magnificent, while the number of devotees arriving has also increased.
How to reach Kedarnath Dham
Well, with time, the journey to Kedarnath has become easy and simple. Many facilities are available here. If you want to visit Kedarnath, your journey starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Haridwar is connected by rail to all the big and major cities of the country. You can reach Haridwar by train. To go further from here, you can book a taxi or go by bus. Along with this, there is also the facility for air travel to Kedarnath Dham. Devotees can reach here by helicopter.
Haridwar to Sonprayag is 235 kilometers and Sonprayag to Gaurikund is 5 kilometers. You can go by road by any type of vehicle. Then your tracking starts from here. You will have to walk the next 16-kilometre distance. Well, now there is an arrangement for a horse and palanquin here, so you can go there also. This 16-kilometer route is quite difficult because landslides can cause major accidents during the rainy season. This 16-kilometre route is as difficult as it is beautiful. You will get to see the most beautiful view of nature’s creation here.
What is the right time to visit?
Well, the most important and the first step to go to Kedarnath is registration. You will not get entry here without registration, so register in advance. However, Kedarnath temple is open only for six months in a year. The best time for you to go here is the months of April, May and June. Due to the high altitude of this temple, the weather here is quite cold and you may even see snowfall.
In which country is Kedarnath?
Kedarnath Temple is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Situated on the banks of the Mandakini River at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The historical name of this area is “Kedar Khand”. Kedarnath Temple is a part of Char Dham and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
Is Kedarnath a Jyotirlinga?
Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered especially sacred temples of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath is situated in the Himalayas near the Mandakini River. Kedarnath tops the list of most famous temples of Lord Shiva.
When should one visit Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath temple is open only for six months in a year. The best time for you to go here is the months of April, May and June. The doors of this temple are closed during heavy snowfall. This temple remains closed for six months in a year and the doors of this temple remain open for devotees for six months.
Can one go to Kedarnath without registration?
No, it is mandatory to register yourself before going to Kedarnath. You will not be allowed to enter Kedarnath temple without it. Along with registration, it is important to have all the main documents like Aadhar Card, Driving License, PAN Card, and Voter ID.
When does Kedarnath open and close in 2023?
The Muhurta for the opening and closing of Kedarnath temple is determined. Till now this temple mostly closes before the 15th of November and opens after six months i.e. after Vaishakhi (13-14 April).
Internal Link – chitkamatka
