#kedarnath #kedarnathdham #kedarnathyatra #heroxtremwtraveller

Kedarnath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Here are some fascinating facts:

Location:

Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas
Elevation: 3,584 meters (11,759 feet)
Surrounded by majestic mountains and rivers

Significance:

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (shrines of Lord Shiva)
Part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri)
Considered a sacred site for spiritual liberation

Architecture:

Ancient temple built by the Pandavas (Mahabharata era)
Current structure dates back to the 8th century (Adi Shankaracharya's renovation)
Granite stone construction with intricate carvings

Worship and Rituals:

Main deity: Lord Shiva (Kedarnath)
Daily puja and abhishekam (ritual bath)
Special pujas during Shravan Maas (July-August) and Maha Shivratri

History:

Mentioned in the Mahabharata and Puranas
Renovated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century
Survived the 2013 Uttarakhand floods

Trek and Accessibility:

16 km trek from Gaurikund (1,982 meters)
Helicopter services available from Phata, Guptkashi, or Dehradun
Road connectivity: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund

Best Time to Visit:

May-June and September-October (avoid monsoon and harsh winters)

Interesting Facts:

1. The temple's unique architecture defies gravity, with no binding material used.
2. The shrine's interior remains naturally cool, even in summer.
3. Kedarnath is one of the few temples where Lord Shiva is worshiped in his Sadashiva form.