The Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Rudraprayag district in the state of Uttarakhand. Situated about 3584 meters above the sea level, it is considered to be one of the holiest places of the country. The temple is named after the Satya Yug ruler, King Kedar. Located atop is the picturesque snow-capped mountains that make the whole place serene and panoramic.
According to legend, after the war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption to come out of the guilt of killing their own brothers. Lord Shiva was reluctant to come in front and hence took shelter in Kedarnath as a bull. When followed by Pandavas, he dived into the ground but left his hump. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva consisting arms, face, belly and locks with head appeared at Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhmaheswar and Kalpeswar respectively at four places which are now being worshipped as four sacred shrines.
Kedarnath is also believed to be Shankaracharya’s Samadhi. The stone lingam situated in the vicinity of the temple is worshipped with specific rituals by the temple pujaris.
Kedarnath can be reached via air by boarding a flight from the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun which is the closest airport. The airport is just 239 km away from Kedarnath. Rishikesh railway station is the closest railhead located 252 km away. The shrine is well connected via road to nearest cities like Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Timing & Entrance Fee to Visit Holiest Places in Kedarnath.
Timings: 04:00 A.M – 09:00 P. M
Entrance fee for all Indian Visitors: Free
Open:- Daily
Nearest Railway Station:- Rishikesh Railway Station
Contact No: 91-135-2430261