Fact-1 The Creation of Kedarnath
Legend says that when Nar and Narayana-the two incarnations of Lord Vishnu performed a severe act of austerity in the Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand, they worshipped a Shivalingam which emerged out of the Earth beautifully. This in turn pleased Lord Shiva who then appeared before Nar and Narayana and asked them to seek for a gift. Nar and Narayana then requested Lord Shiva to permanently reside as a Jyotirlingam at Kedarnath, so that the people who come to worship Lord Shiva here won’t be enslaved to their miseries in life anymore.
Fact-2 Legends of Kedarnath Creation
The of Kedarnath dates back to the Mahabharata which states that when the Pandavas came to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to free themselves from the sin of killing their cousins. Lord Shiva disguised himself as a humped buffalo and hid himself at Kashi, then known as Guptkashi. The Pandavas eventually managed to discover Lord Shiva who was hiding beneath the ground with his hump in the ground and this impressed Lord Shiva then.
Another legend of the Kedar temple states that Goddess Parvati worshipped Kedareshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareshwar.
Fact-3 The Derivation of the Name of Kedarnath Temple
An Interesting Fact about Kedarnath is the derivation of its name. A tale of the past says that once to save themselves from demons, the gods worshipped Lord Shiva for their protection. Lord Shiva appeared, disguised as a bull; he said to the ‘Kodarum’ (whom to rip and whom to tear apart). With his horns and hooves Lord Shiva destroyed the demons and threw them into the Mandakini River. Thus the name Kedarnath is derive from the name ‘Kodarum.’
Fact-4 Protection of Kedarnath
One of the Lesser Known Facts of Kedarnath is that The Bhairo Nath Temple which is located at a very short distance from Kedarnath Temple is a guardian of the Kedarnathji. It is believed that Bhaironathji guards the Kedarnath Temple by keeping away the evil while the temple remains close. Therefore the Bhiaronath Temple is visited ceremoniously at the opening and closing of Kedarnath.
Fact-5 Significance of the Kedarnath Jyotirlingam
The Lingam at Kedarnath is one amongst the 12 Jyotilings of Lord Shiva. It is said to have blessed the Himalayas and keeps them soaked with the godliness of Lord Shiva. Its history dates back to when Nar and Narayana the two incarnations of Lord Vishnu performed the act of austerity, Lord Shiva was impressed and they persuaded Lord Shiva to reside as a Jyotilingam in Kedarnath, so that devotees who would come to seek the blessing of Shiva will seek salvation here.
Fact-6 The Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is at least a 1000 year old temple which has been blessing the Himalayas and the people who visit it each year. It is said that during the 2013 floods in Uttarakhand the entire town of Kedarnath was ruined, but the temple was not so harmed, as a huge rock behind the temple diverted the massive flood water coming towards the shrine.
Fact-7 Inside the Kedarnath Temple
The head priest of Kedarnath temple are of the Veerashaiva community of Karnataka also known as Raval. Although the Raval do not perform the puja in the temple. The puja’s are carried out on the instructions of the Raval by other priests. The Raval moves with the deity to Ukimath during the winter season.
Fact-8 The Persuasion of The Pandavas
It is said that the Pandavas wanted to seek salvation from the sin of killing their cousins, to do so they set on a path to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, who was ignorant towards the Pandavas and had moved to Kedar and disguised himself as a bull and hid with other animals in the Himalayas. Although Bheema was able to recognize Lord Shiva through his hump when he with his magnanimous strength ripped apart two mountains, where Lord Shiva who was submerging under the ground had his hump on the ground. Bheema got hold of it and that is how Lord Shiva blessed them.
Opening and Closing Dates of the Kedarnath Temple
These captivatingly Unknown Facts of The Kedarnath Temple will surely leave you with the desire to visit the Lord of Himalayas, so head out and pay your homage to Mahadev. The Opening date of Kedarnath Dham in 2020 will be declared soon. A long ceremonial puja is done when Kedarnath opens, the Rawal of Kedarnath first seeks the blessing of Lord Shiva and looks at the Lingam when the gates of Kedarnath is opened.
Other Facts about Kedarnath Temple
1: Kedarnath Temple Location: Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Himalayan foothills. At an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest temples in India. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the temple offers breathtaking views of the Kedarnath range. Its remote and serene location adds to its spiritual significance, making it a must-visit for devotees and adventurers alike.
2. Weather and Terrain: Kedarnath is famous for its harsh weather conditions, with winters being particularly cold, often seeing temperatures dip below freezing. Summers, however, are milder, offering a more temperate climate, ideal for pilgrims. The journey to the temple requires a 16 km trek from Gauri Kund, which is the starting point for most devotees. The rugged terrain and high altitude make the trek physically demanding, but the stunning Himalayan vistas along the way provide a rewarding experience. Pilgrims can also choose alternative options like pony rides or helicopter services for a quicker ascent.
3. Religious and Spiritual Hub: Kedarnath draws millions of devotees annually, particularly during the auspicious Shivaratri festival and the Kedarnath Yatra season. Beyond its religious importance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, it serves as a spiritual haven for seekers from all over the world. The serene surroundings and the temple’s sacred atmosphere offer a deep sense of peace and connection for those on a spiritual journey. Kedarnath remains a powerful symbol of faith, devotion, and inner transformation
4. Part of Char Dham Yatra: Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the key destinations in the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage is traditionally undertaken in a clockwise direction, starting with Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and concluding at Badrinath.
5. Kedarnath Disaster: In June 2013, the region faced a devastating flash flood due to heavy rainfall, which caused massive destruction and loss of life. The temple itself was largely unaffected, but the surrounding areas were severely damaged. Since then, efforts have been made to rebuild and improve infrastructure.
6. Bhim Shila: Bhim Shila is a large, massive stone located near the Kedarnath Temple. The stone is believed to have played a crucial role during the catastrophic floods of 2013, as it helped prevent the temple from being washed away. Today, Bhim Shila is considered a symbol of strength and protection, and many devotees visit it as part of their pilgrimage to Kedarnath, offering prayers for safety and blessings. The stone stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the region.
