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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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