The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India

1.  Somnath – Prabhas Patan, Gujarat (The first and most revered Jyotirlinga, located on the Arabian Sea coast)
2. Mallikarjuna – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh (Situated on the Shri Shaila Mountain, this temple is also a Shakti Peetha)
3. Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (Known for its Bhasma Aarti, it’s the only south-facing Jyotirlinga)
4. Omkareshwar – Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh (Located on an island shaped like the Om (ॐ) symbol in the Narmada River)
5. Kedarnath – Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand (Nestled in the Himalayas, it’s one of the most remote and spiritually powerful shrines)
6. Bhimashankar – Pune, Maharashtra (Surrounded by dense forests, it is both a Jyotirlinga and a wildlife sanctuary)
7. Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (Located in the spiritual capital of India, it is one of the most visited temples)
8. Trimbakeshwar – Nashik, Maharashtra (Origin of the Godavari River, this Jyotirlinga features three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva)
9. Vaidyanath (Vaijnath) – Deoghar, Jharkhand (Known as the temple where Ravana worshipped Shiva)
10. Nageshwar – Dwarka, Gujarat (Near the holy city of Dwarka, it represents protection from all poisons)
11. Ramanathaswamy – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu (Closely associated with Lord Rama; famous for its longest temple corridors)
12. Grishneshwar – Ellora, Maharashtra (The last Jyotirlinga, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves)

History of Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath’s history is deeply rooted in mythology, spirituality, and ancient legends, stretching back thousands of years. As per popular belief, Kedarnath is one of the Panch Kedars, a group of five sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legend from the Mahabharata, after the great battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas were filled with remorse for the massive bloodshed and sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. However, Lord Shiva, displeased by the destruction, did not wish to meet them and disguised himself as a bull, hiding among cattle in the Garhwal Himalayas.

As the Pandavas searched, different parts of Shiva’s divine bull form appeared at five distinct locations, which later became the Panch Kedars. Kedarnath is believed to be the place where Shiva’s hump emerged, and the temple here is said to house this sacred manifestation.

Historically, Kedarnath’s origins can be traced to the early medieval period, with records and inscriptions dating back to the 8th century AD. The current temple structure is widely believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya, the revered Hindu philosopher and saint. His efforts were instrumental in reviving Hinduism during that era, and he is credited with establishing the present form of the temple, reinforcing Kedarnath’s importance as a major pilgrimage site.

Over the centuries, Kedarnath has witnessed natural calamities and the harshness of time. Located high in the Himalayan range, it remains vulnerable to earthquakes, heavy snowfall, and avalanches. Despite such challenges, the temple and its surroundings have been lovingly maintained and restored by countless generations of worshippers and local communities, reflecting their deep faith and devotion.

The architecture of Kedarnath Temple stands as a brilliant example of ancient Indian craftsmanship. Built using massive stone blocks, the temple walls are adorned with detailed carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. At its heart lies the sanctum sanctorum, housing the sacred Shiva lingam, which is the focal point of prayer for devotees.

In modern times, Kedarnath drew worldwide attention during the 2013 flash floods, which caused extensive devastation in the region. Many lives were lost, and parts of the temple complex were buried under debris and mud. Yet, in the face of tragedy, the spirit of unity and resilience shone through. Massive efforts were launched for restoration and rebuilding, led by government bodies, NGOs, and volunteers from across the globe. These contributions were widely recognized and appreciated by the people and authorities alike.

Today, Kedarnath stands not just as a religious site, but as a symbol of strength, peace, and spiritual awakening. Every year, millions of pilgrims and visitors come here to seek blessings, connect with nature, and find solace in its sacred environment. Its rich blend of history, legend, and devotion continues to captivate hearts, maintaining Kedarnath’s place among the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India.

Places to Visit Near Kedarnath Temple

The region surrounding Kedarnath Temple is not only spiritually significant but also blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and several sacred sites. One of the most notable nearby places is Bhairavnath Temple, located just a short trek from Kedarnath. This temple is dedicated to Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and is believed to be the guardian deity of the Kedarnath region. Another key attraction is Gandhi Sarovar, a small glacial lake located about 3 km from the temple. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here, and the spot offers a tranquil setting with stunning views. Pilgrims also visit Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake around 8 km away, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and blooming Himalayan flowers, making it a favorite among trekkers. Sonprayag, located at the confluence of the Basuki and Mandakini rivers, holds religious significance as it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married here. Just a few kilometers down, Triyuginarayan Temple is another must-visit, famous as the mythological wedding site of Shiva and Parvati, with a perpetual flame said to have been burning since their celestial union. These sites, rich in mythological importance and natural beauty, enhance the spiritual journey of devotees visiting Kedarnath.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Dham

The best time to visit Kedarnath Dham is during the summer months from May to June and post-monsoon from September to mid-October. This period offers pleasant weather, clear skies, and safe travel conditions, making it ideal for the pilgrimage. The temple opens to devotees around late April or early May, usually on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, and remains accessible until Bhai Dooj in October or early November.

• May and June are particularly popular as the weather is relatively mild, with daytime temperatures ranging between 10°C to 15°C, though nights remain chilly.
• The monsoon season (July to August) brings heavy rainfall, landslides, and slippery paths, making travel risky and generally not advisable.
• After the rains, September and early October bring back stable weather and fewer crowds, providing a more peaceful and scenic experience. Overall, planning your visit in late spring or early autumn ensures a safer and spiritually fulfilling journey to Kedarnath Dham.

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham

By Bus: You can catch regular state-run or private buses to Sonprayag, which is the farthest point accessible by regular vehicles. From Sonprayag, shared jeeps or taxis are available to take you to Gaurikund. From there, Kedarnath is just a short 5 km journey.

By Car: If you enjoy driving, you can drive all the way from Delhi. The roads connecting Gaurikund with Rudraprayag and Guptkashi are in good condition, but make sure your vehicle is suitable for mountainous terrain.

By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, about 239 kilometers from Kedarnath, with flights from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. After landing, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund, which takes around 8 to 10 hours by road. For those who prefer not to trek or have physical constraints, helicopter services from Phata or Sirsi provide a quicker way to reach Kedarnath Temple.

By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Trains connect these stations to major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. From any of these stations, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Gaurikund, which usually takes 8 to 10 hours depending on where you start.