Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, located in the scenic state of Uttarakhand, India, is one of the twelve holy abodes of Lord Shiva. It is situated in the Kedarnath town, nestled amidst the beautiful Himalayas at an altitude of over 11,000 feet above sea level. The Jyotirlinga is believed to be around 1,000 years old and holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Shiva.
Legend has it that the Pandavas, the protagonists of the Indian epic Mahabharata, wished to atone for their sins after the great Kurukshetra war. They set out in search of Lord Shiva, who was avoiding them. Lord Shiva, disguised as a bull, went into hiding in Kedarnath. When the Pandavas found him, they recognized him and prayed for forgiveness. Lord Shiva, pleased with their devotion, blessed them and agreed to stay there in the form of a Jyotirlinga, a symbol of his divine presence.
The Kedarnath temple, built in the 8th century AD by the Adi Shankaracharya, is the main attraction of this pilgrimage site. The temple is built of large, heavy stones, and its architecture is a mix of Hindu and Tibetan styles. It is situated at the confluence of the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, adding to the scenic beauty of the temple.
Devotees believe that a visit to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is a highly auspicious event and can bring them closer to Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage season starts from May and continues until November, and the temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. It is advisable to plan the trip during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and the scenic beauty is at its peak.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, with its beautiful surroundings and rich history, is a must-visit destination for devotees of Lord Shiva. A journey to this sacred site is believed to bring peace, spiritual growth, and blessings from Lord Shiva.
Add comment