Trip to Uttarakhand - Kedarnath Temple

Puzzle cube mosaic of Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas, the temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple’s architecture, made of massive stone slabs, has withstood harsh weather conditions for centuries. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it a revered pilgrimage site for devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and salvation.

Despite being hit by a devastating flood in 2013, the Kedarnath Temple miraculously remained intact, further strengthening its divine significance. Pilgrims undertake a challenging 16 km trek from Gaurikund to reach the temple, surrounded by breathtaking snow-clad peaks. The temple opens only for six months (April/May to October/November) due to extreme winters, and during the off-season, the deity is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The spiritual aura, rich history, and stunning location make Kedarnath a symbol of devotion, endurance, and divine power.