Kedarnath Dham is one of the most revered pilgrimage centres of Northern India. Located at an altitude of 3,584 meters, amidst the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and on the banks of river Mandakini, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
The sacred shrine of Kedarnath is said to have been built in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya at the place adjacent to a spot where the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame are believed to have constructed a temple. The most popular legend of Kedarnath takes us to the time of Pandavas who after killing their half-brothers, Kauravas in the infamous war were seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva on the advice of Lord Krishna. It was in Guptkashi that they could spot Lord Shiva who was hiding from them disguised in the form of Nandi, the bull. But one of the Pandavas, Bheema could identify Lord Shiva and chased to only catch him through his tail, while the rest of the body vanished, through a secret cave underneath the ground.
Lord Shiva, who disappeared from Guptkashi reappeared in five different forms namely, hump at Kedarnath, face at Rudranath, arms at Tungnath, navel, and stomach at Madhyamaheshwar and the locks at Kalpeshwar. Another tale about Kedarnath is related to Nar Narayan who went to Badrika Village to worship Parthiva and as a result Lord Shiva appeared before them. Nara-Narayan asked Shiva to remain there in his original form for the welfare of the humanity. Granting their wish, Lord Shiva stayed in that place which is now known as Kedar, thus he is known as Kedareshwara.
Kedarnath is an incredible place to visit with friends! Nestled in the Himalayas, it’s not just a spiritual destination but also an adventure hub. You can explore the stunning landscapes, trek through beautiful trails, and enjoy the fresh mountain air together.
Here are a few things you might consider doing with your friends:
- Trekking: The trek to Kedarnath is a memorable experience. It’s about 16 km from Gaurikund, and the views along the way are breathtaking.
- Visit the Kedarnath Temple: It’s one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The temple’s architecture and the spiritual atmosphere are awe-inspiring.
- Explore Nearby Places: Consider visiting places like Triund, Bhairav Temple, or the scenic Bhagirathi river.
- Camping: If you enjoy the outdoors, you could camp nearby and soak in the starry skies and serene environment.
- Photography: The stunning landscapes provide endless opportunities for photography, so be sure to capture the moments.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local dishes. Enjoying meals together can be a highlight of your trip.
- Team Challenges: Engage in fun group activities or challenges during your trek to bond and create lasting memories.
Have you planned your trip yet?
