Kedarnath Hindu Temple (Full information)
The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, and is mentioned in several ancient Hindu texts such as the Mahabharata and the Skanda Purana. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself chose this location for the temple and it is also believed that he appeared to the Pandavas in the form of a bull at this spot. The temple is also said to be the site where the Pandavas attained salvation.
The temple is a unique architectural structure, built of large, heavy stones. It has a conical roof and a gilded spire, which is visible from a great distance. The temple has a main entrance, which leads to the inner sanctum, where the idol of Lord Shiva is placed. The temple also has several other shrines and mandapams within its complex.
The temple is open for darshan (worship) from April to November, when the weather is relatively mild. The temple is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. During the Char Dham Yatra, the temple is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the country. The temple is also visited by many foreign tourists, who come to experience the spiritual ambiance and the natural beauty of the region.
The Kedarnath Temple is also an important pilgrimage site for the Jain community as well. The Jain community believe that Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, attained liberation at this spot.
The trek to Kedarnath Temple starts from Gaurikund, which is around 14 km from the temple. The trek is considered to be a difficult one and takes around 5-7 hours to complete, depending on one's physical fitness and the weather conditions. There are also helicopter services available for those who are unable to trek.
Overall, Kedarnath Temple is a revered and important religious site for Hindus and Jains, and offers a beautiful and challenging trek for the adventure seekers. It is also a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance and natural beauty of the region.
OM namah Shivay
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