Kedarnath Interesting Facts

Kedarnath is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It holds great religious significance and is part of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. Here are some interesting facts about Kedarnath:

High Altitude: Kedarnath is situated at an elevation of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas (shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva) in India.
Pandavas Connection: According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata are believed to have built this temple as a penance to seek forgiveness for their actions during the war.
Shiva's Jata: Inside the temple, there is a conical rock formation known as the "jata" (Lord Shiva's hair) that is worshipped as a representation of the deity.
Opening and Closing: Due to heavy snowfall during the winter, the temple is open to devotees only from April to November. It remains closed for the rest of the year.
Stambha or Flagstaff: A unique feature of the temple is its silver-coated conical stambha (flagstaff), which stands next to the main temple.
Adi Shankaracharya: The great Hindu philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have established the Kedarnath shrine in the 8th century AD.
Vasuki Tal: A glacial lake called Vasuki Tal, located about 8 km from Kedarnath, is an important trekking destination for devotees and tourists.
2013 Flood Disaster: In June 2013, the region faced a devastating flash flood and landslide. The temple complex was partially destroyed, but reconstruction efforts have since been undertaken to restore the site.
Accessibility: The temple can be reached by a challenging trek of around 16 km from Gaurikund. Helicopter services are also available for those who want to reach the temple faster.
UNESCO Recognition: The Kedarnath Temple and the nearby Valley of Flowers National Park were recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988.