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The temple that remains intact despite natural disasters is the Panch Kedar Kedarnath. Though the second highest peak in the journey, it is the first and most important shrine of all five sacred Shiva temples. That is why it is the starting point for the Panch Kedar Yatra.
As old as Dvapara Yuga, the strength of the Panch Kedar Kedarnath says a lot about its spiritual power. Reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century (almost 1000 years ago), it is the place where he attained Moksha (salvation), praying to Lord Shiva.
By the name Kedarnath, the hump of bull-formed Lord Shiva here acts as the lord of the Kedar Khand - Baba Kedarnath. At the backdrop of Mandakini river and majestic peaks, the aura of the temple reflects the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
The journey to Kedar Nath temple, often difficult and physically demanding, purifies the soul and leads to salvation. The Panch Kedar Kedarnath shrine also symbolises the holy Mount Meru - the home of many gods. Moreover, it is a Jyotirlinga as well as a Char Dham.
According to MahaShivapurana, the Baba Kedarnath temple became astrologically important during the Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month. This combination is especially suitable for Leo and Aquarius signs if they worship the deity here.
Secondly, Vastu and the Kedarnath temple Uttarakhand are deeply associated. Walking up the nine stairs leading to the main shrine of the temple signifies bringing positive Vastu blessings to your home.
The Kedarnath Mahadev temple has legendary stories that sing tales of its divinity. The popular ones are mentioned below.
In Hindu mythology, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's forgiveness. To avoid them, Shiva transformed into a bull and attempted to disappear into the earth. Bhima, one of the Pandavas, recognised the bull as Shiva and tried to catch it.
As Bhima grabbed the bull, it began to sink into the ground. He managed to hold onto the hump, which remained above the surface, while the rest of Shiva's bull form disappeared. This hump is worshipped as Panch Kedar Kedarnath.
The North India 2013 floods in Uttarakhand left the whole country distressed. The water swallowed almost the entire area. However, what remained shocking was that the Panch Kedar Kedarnath temple remained intact. The sacred giant stone Bhim Shila is said to have protected it.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Bhima, the strongest of the Pandava brothers, placed the stone here. He did it to shield the Kedarnath Mahadev temple from a battle held in the heavens. The stone’s stability defies all laws of physics and remains a symbol of divine protection even today.
The Panch Kedar Kedarnath temple is constructed in Rekha-Sikhara style facing the South with 3 horizontal divisions - Garba Griha, Antarala and Gudhu Mandapa. It is adapted from Nagara architecture with detailed carvings and artwork depicting various deities and mythological themes.
Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Himalayas, it is the second highest Panch Kedar, yet the first to begin the pilgrimage with. Made using large grey stone slabs, the Kedar Nath Temple is built on a raised platform with a vast courtyard, and its shikhara (spire) is visible from a distance.
In detail, let us see the main highlights of the ever-standing Panch Kedar Kedarnath temple.
Read About Other Panch Kedar Temples
