About Kedarnath Temple - Religious Importance Of Visiting Kedarnath Temple In Hinduism

Kedarnath Temple, part of the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand, is one among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Shiva in India. The temple is more than thousand years old and was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya. Legend has it Pandavas wanted to seek redemption for sins committed during the Kurukshetra battle in Mahabharata. But Shiva was not ready to give darshan to Pandavas. He hid from them and the Pandavas kept following Shiva. It is said that at Kedarnath Shiva took the form of a bull and disappeared underground leaving only the hump on the top.

Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shivling in Kedarnath Temple. The hump of the bull is that is worshipped in the temple. It is in the form of a canonical rock. Kedar is one among the numerous names of Shiva.

Religious Importance Of Visiting Kedarnath Temple In Hinduism

Visiting Kedarnath Temple holds immense spiritual and religious significance in Hinduism. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be manifestations of Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and transformation. The temple is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Here are some of the spiritual reasons why visiting Kedarnath Temple is significant for Hindus:

Pilgrimage (Tirtha Yatra): Hinduism places great emphasis on undertaking pilgrimages to sacred sites as a means of spiritual growth and purification. Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus, and it is believed that a pilgrimage to Kedarnath helps devotees attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Connection with Lord Shiva: Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is revered as the Supreme Being in Shaivism. Devotees believe that visiting Kedarnath allows them to connect with Lord Shiva in a profound way, seeking his blessings, guidance, and grace.

Ancient Tradition and Legend: The temple has a rich history and is associated with several ancient legends from Hindu mythology. According to one legend, it is believed that after the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sins they had committed during the war. Lord Shiva eluded them and took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull. When pursued, he dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump on the surface. The hump is worshipped at Kedarnath as a conical-shaped lingam (a symbol of Shiva).

Austerities and Self-Realization: The journey to Kedarnath Temple is not easy, often involving long treks through rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. This arduous journey is seen as a form of penance and self-discipline, allowing devotees to detach from worldly distractions and focus their minds on spiritual matters. It is believed that the challenges faced during the pilgrimage purify the soul and prepare it for deeper spiritual experiences.

Natural Beauty and Serenity: Apart from its spiritual significance, Kedarnath is also renowned for its natural beauty and serene environment. The majestic Himalayan peaks, lush green valleys, and pristine rivers add to the spiritual ambiance of the place, making it an ideal setting for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal.

Overall, visiting Kedarnath Temple is considered a sacred duty for devout Hindus, offering them an opportunity to deepen their faith, seek divine blessings, and experience spiritual upliftment in the lap of nature and the presence of Lord Shiva. 

Holy Places in Kedarnath Temple

A large murti of Nandi bull stands as guard outside the temple door.

Water used to worship the murti at Kedarnath temple gets collected at the Udak Kund and this water is considered as charnamrit and devotees collect it.

The temple also has Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, and Ishaneshwar as subsidiary deities in the parikarama area of the temple.

People wishing to perform panda daan for ancestors can do it at the Hansa Kund near the shrine.

Retas Kund is a unique water body in the vicinity of the temple. When devotees shout Har Har Mahadev they can see bubbles appearing in the kund.

Shankaracharya Samadhi or the final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya is located behind the temple.

At walk-able distance is a shrine dedicated to Bhairavnath – the main Gana of Shiva.

At an altitude of 3581 meters, the temple is located at the head of the Mandakini River and is around 14 km trek from Gaurikund.

Kedarnath is also part of the Panch Kedar Temples – Temples where the Pandavas attempted to have darshan of Shiva.

The temple is only open for darshan from first week of May to the first week of November. During winter season the temple is covered in snow. The murti of Shiva is carried to Ukimath for worship during winter season.

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