Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

About The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Located near the beautiful valleys of the Himalayas, the Lord Shiva Kedarnath temple is one of India's most sacred and visited places. Built by the Pandavas, this temple is believed to be the abode where Shiva resides and devotees seek forgiveness. It is a part of the Panch Kedar:

1. Kedarnath
2. Tungnath
3. Rudranath
4. Madhyamaheswar
5. Kalpeshwar.

Flowing to its side is the Mandakini River, which finds its origin at Kedar’s peak. The original temple is said to have been built by the Pandava brothers. However, the current standing structure was restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D.

The Shiva Kedarnath temple witnesses a visit from more than 10 lakh individuals. This shrine is not just a place to attain spiritual wellness but also provides calm to one’s mind. Not to mention, the serene valley that surrounds the temple captures the heart of all.

Significance Of The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga temple is not just sacred to the devotees that visit but also holds symbolic cultural and astrological significance. Its essence lies in the spiritual belief and faith of people who come from all over the world to seek Shiva’s blessings and get a glimpse of Shiva’s self-manifested Lingam.

• Cultural Significance Of Kedarnath Mandir

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga temple is a sacred shrine visited by lakhs of Hindus every year. It is an essential part of the 12 Jyotirlingas and also the Panch Kedar. Known to hold utmost importance in Hindu texts, it is believed that people who visit this temple attain liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

The temple is only open for visits for 6 months and is closed during winter because of heavy snowfall. However, there are a number of Pujas and rituals that take place during both the opening and closing ceremonies of the temple.

• Chaah Pahar Puja: This puja is the first Puja done before the departure services begin at Kedarnath.
• Samadhi Puja:A special form a puja performed when the Kedarnath Temple closes. According to the Hindu calendar, this Puja takes place on the first day of the Kartik month. It is only after this puja that the idol of real Kedarnath Shivling is taken to Ukhimath Omkareshwar temple.
• Panchmukhi Utsav:This is a sacred festival that symbolises the transition of the idol to the other temple and the coming of winter.
• Panchmukhi Doli:The Panchmukhi Doli is the chariot in which Baba Kedarnath’s idol is taken to the Ukhimath Omkareshwar temple.

Astrological Significance Of Kedarnath Mandir

Linked to the Aquarius zodiac sign, the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is believed to also be associated with the planet Rahu. People of Aquarius sign should visit the Kedarnath shrine to reduce the ill effects of Rahu from their lives.

Worshipping the Shivaling by offering Panchamrit (A mix of Milk, Curd, Honey, Ghee, and Sugar) to the real Kedarnath Shivling. One should also offer Lotus and Dhatura to the Lingam. It is said that the ones who visit the temple gain inner strength and resilience. One also removes one's negative karma and cleanses one's soul.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Mythology Associated

There are two prominent Kedarnath Jyotirlinga story relating to the origin of the Kedarnath temple, Let us explore them one by one.

Pandavas After Kurukshetra War

Pandava brothers, after winning the Kurukshetra war, went on to meet Lord Shiva and seek his forgiveness. They were burdened with the sins of killing their brothers. However, Shiva did not wish to see them and hid in Gupt Kashi.

In search of Shiva, they travelled and saw a bull. However, Bheema spotted that the bull was none other than Shiva himself. In actuality, Shiva took the form of a bull to hide from them. They tried to catch the bull but failed. In the process of catching the bull, they were left with nothing but the bull’s hump.

Pandavas started worshipping the hump to seek forgiveness and built the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga temple. Later, they found other parts of the bull, which now form the Panch Kedar. The Face is Rudranath, the belly is Madyamaheswar, the head is Kalpeshwar, and the arms are Tungnath.

• Nara And Narayana’s Devotion

This Kedarnath Jyotirlinga story revolves around two Hindu sages, namely, Nara and Narayana. Once, both of them went to worship Goddess Parvati. However, in her place, Lord Shiva blessed them with his site. Shiva was pleased by their penance and told them he would grant them one wish.

The sage brothers requested Shiva to stay in the same place in his self-manifested form for the benefit of humanity. Shiva agreed to their wish, thus forming the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Architectural Marvel

Standing almost 3500 meters above sea level on a steep hill, the Kedarnath temple is no less an architectural Marvel. The temple’s structure holds intricate details that combine skills and craftsmanship with spiritual wellness. Let us look at some amazing facts about Kedarnath’s architectural significance.

• The Lord Shiva Kedarnath temple is built and decorated using the Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.
• The Kedarnath temple inside is decorated with carvings and details showcasing Hindu mythology.
• The Kedarnath temple was built while keeping in mind the harsh climate and calamities the temple might have to endure.
• The structure of the temple is built using heavy stone slabs at the base to provide a stable platform.
• Using the interlocking technique, the Kedarnath temple is built with heavy stones that are kept one-on-one, providing a durable structure that can endure for times to come.
• We also see the use of wooden beams and columns in the main structure of the temple that support the weight of the temple.
• The Shikhara of the temple is built using a mix of elements from stones to metals to provide a sturdy structure.

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