Kedarnath Temple in Rudraprayag, Uttrakhand

Kedarnath Temple is the first Kedar of the Panch Kedar Temple circuit. Located at an elevation of 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttrakhand, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra and one of the Jyotirlingas.

The Kedarnath Temple has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. It is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas, the protagonists of the Mahabharata, after the great battle, seeking redemption for their sins. According to legend, after the war, the Pandavas were advised by Lord Krishna to worship Lord Shiva for forgiveness. However, unhappy with their actions, Shiva took the form of a bull to evade them. But when Bhim, finally located him, he submerged into the ground, leaving behind his hump at Kedarnath. The remaining parts appeared at four other locations in the Himalayas. Together these five places became the sites of the Panch Kedar temples. Here at Kedarnath, the hump is worshipped and this place is considered as first Kedar.

The temple structure that stands today is believed to have been constructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD, who played a pivotal role in reviving Hinduism in India. His dedication to Lord Shiva and the Kedarnath shrine has made it a significant pilgrimage site.

Reaching Kedarnath is an adventure in itself. The nearest road access point is Gaurikund, which is approximately 16 kilometers away from the temple. From Gaurikund, devotees embark on a trek that leads them through breathtaking landscapes, including lush forests, rocky terrains, and gushing streams. For those who prefer not to trek, pony rides and palanquins are available to aid in the journey.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 238 km from Kedarnath. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Rishikesh or Sonprayag, the closest road access point to Kedarnath.

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, about 216 km from Kedarnath. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sonprayag.

Sonprayag is the last road-accessible town before Kedarnath, located about 20 km from the temple. Regular buses and taxis are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, you need to reach Gaurikund (5 km away) by local transport or shared taxis. Gaurikund is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath.

Helicopter services are available from places like Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi, cutting down the travel time considerably. Bookings can be made in advance online or at helipads.

The temple is open for devotees from April to November, as it is subject to weather conditions. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is pleasant and the snow has melted, revealing stunning views of the surrounding peaks.