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The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlings of Lord
Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic
Kedarnath range. At an altitude of 3,581 mt it is a 14 km trek from
Gaurikund.
Dedar
is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. Shiva is
considered the embodiment of all passion-love, hatred, fear, death and
mysticism which are expressed through his various forms.
There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli
district itself, the most important one is Kedarnath. According to legend,
the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war,
felt quilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings
of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing
took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull.
On being followd he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the
surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other place
and worshipped there as his manifestations.
The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at
Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and
the four aboce mentioned shrices are treated as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath Temple
An
imposing sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by
lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in 8th century A.D. by
Adi Shankaracharya, Stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built
by the Pandavas.
The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of
various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large
statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely arhitectured Kedarnath temple
considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy
and evenly cut grey slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these
heavy slabs had been handled in the earlier days.
The temple has a "Garbha Griha" for worship and a Mandap, apt
for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside
the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the
Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in
India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.
Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar)
Only
a km trek away from Kedarnath. Floating - ice on the crystal clear waters
of the lake fascinates the visitors.
Vasuki Tal
Situated at a height of 4150mt, the lake is surrounded by high mountains
and offers an excellent view of Chaukhamba peaks.
Gaurikund
It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath and serves as a roadhead. The
village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and hot water springs.
Sonprayag
Situated at the confluence of Sone Ganga and Mandakini rivers. The road
to Trijuginarayan diverts from here.
Trijuginarayan
According to legend, this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva
and Parvati was solemnised. In front of the Shiva Temple is an eternal
flame, which is said to be a witness to the marriage. It can be reached by
a 12 km drive from Sonprayag.
Guptkashi
Famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath.
Ukhimath
Winter
home of the deity at Kedarnath temple and the seat of the Rawal of
Kedarnath. Connected by bus services to Rudraprayag and other major
centres.
Agastymuni
The temple of sage Agastya is the main attraction here.
Panch Kedar
Madmaheshwar,
Tungnath,
Rudranath and
Kalpnath with Kedarnath from the Panch Kedar, the five most important
temples of Lord Shiva in Garhwal Himalayas.
Madmaheshwar
One of Panch Kedars, the temple of Madmaheshwar is located at an altitude
of 3,289 mt above sea-level, on the slope of a ridge, 25 km northeast of
Guptkashi. There is a motorable road from Guptkashi to Kalimath.
The best statue of Har Gauri in India measuring over a metre high is
found in the Kali temple. The trek from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is
distinguished by wild unparalleled scenic beauty and engulfed by
Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. Gaundar at the confluence of
Madmaheshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last settlement before one
reaches Madmaheshwar, the place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form
of belly.
Tungnath
The arms of Lord Shiva came out as per the Kedarnath myth at Tungnath. He
is worshipped here as one of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath Temple at an
altitude of 3,680 mt, is the highest Shiva shrine among the Panch Kedars
but the easiest to reach from Chopta, the nearest roadhead.
