Coordinates: 30°44′05″N 79°04′01″E / 30.7346°N 79.0669°E / 30.7346; 79.0669

Kedarnath

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Ukhimath_Temple,_near_Kedarnath,_Uttarakhand
Kedarnath

केदारनाथ
Town
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CountryIndia
StateUttarakhand
DistrictRudraprayag district
Elevation
3,583 m (11,755 ft)
Time zoneUTC+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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD