Kedarnath

Majestic_view_of_kedarnath

Temple_in_the_aftermath_of_the_flood

Ukhimath_Temple,_near_Kedarnath,_Uttarakhand

Kedarnath केदारनाथ
Town
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Uttarakhand
District	Rudraprayag district
Elevation	3,583 m (11,755 ft)
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	246445

Kedarnath (

केदारनाथ

This Hindi language related article is a stub.

) is a town located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites and is home to the Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town is situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, near the head of the Mandakini River.

History

Kedarnath has a rich historical and religious significance. The Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of Lord Shiva.

Geography

Kedarnath is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green forests. The town is accessible by a trek of approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, which is the nearest road head.

Climate

The climate of Kedarnath is predominantly cold throughout the year. Summers are cool and pleasant, while winters are extremely cold with heavy snowfall, making the region inaccessible during the winter months.

Pilgrimage

Kedarnath is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, which also includes Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The temple attracts thousands of devotees each year, especially during the summer months when the temple is open to the public.

2013 Flash Floods

In June 2013, Kedarnath was severely affected by flash floods and landslides caused by torrential rains. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and property, and the town had to undergo extensive reconstruction efforts.

Transportation

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh. From these points, one can travel by road to Gaurikund and then trek to Kedarnath.

See also

• Kedarnath Temple
• Char Dham
• Rudraprayag district
• Uttarakhand
• Mandakini River