Introduction:
The whole world eagerly waits for the opening of the doors of Kedarnath temple. People wait for months to have darshan of Kedarnath Dham. There is little question that going here is a different experience in itself. It is as if the grace of Lord Shiva remains on this temple and on the devotees who come here. It’s surrounded by mountains from all sides and the opposite side is about 22 thousand feet high Kedarnath, on the other side is 21 thousand 600 feet high Bharatkund. There’re many things which you should know about Kedarnath.
WHY GO TO KEDARNATH?
There can be many reasons for visiting Kedarnath, the first of which is religious. Kedarnath a holy pilgrimage site where the eleventh Jyotirlinga of Lord Shankar is established. Even if you do not come for religious reasons, you can come here to see the natural scenery, but should never come here for the purpose of fun.
KEDARNATH ATTRACTIONS
Pilgrims usually pay a day trip or a maximum of 1 night to Kedarnath Dham. Thus some majestic and beautiful sightseeings are remembered by travelers. If planning to visit Kedarnath Dham for a day or two then don’t miss to check out the following places to see in Kedarnath. Various sightseeing places are available in Kedarnath for all types of tourists including Gandhi Sarovar, Chandrashila, Vasuki Tal, Gauri Kund, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Ukhimath, Panch Kedar, Tungnath, Rudra Nath, Deoria Tal are there, while there is Chopta and Son Prayag for nature lovers. Kedarnath has several kunds which are known for their religious significance – Shiv Kund, Ratkund, Hans Kund, Udakkund, Rudhirkund are the most important.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KEDARNATH
The time between May to October is considered ideal for visiting Kedarnath as the weather remains pleasant during this time. The natives of Kedarnath also migrate in winters because of heavy snowfall. Anyway, this temple opens only in summer. Every year there is a difference of a few days between the opening and closing of the temple because the Muhurta is taken out for it according to the Hindi Panchang. The date of opening of the doors is Akshay Tritiya and the date of closing is around Diwali. It is not good to travel here during the season because during this point the danger of land sliding increases and therefore the roads get closed. Travelers get stuck here and there.
FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF IMPORTANT PLACES TO SEE IN KEDARNATH :-
GANDHI SAROVAR
Gandhi Sarovar is a small lake from where Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have gone to heaven.
SHANKARACHARYA SAMADHI
Shankaracharya Samadhi is a delightful and serene place for the devotees. The grand temple in its background adds to its serenity. It is believed that Adiguru Shankaracharya took samadhi at this place.
BHAIRAVNATH TEMPLE
Bhairav Temple is located at a distance of 1 kilometer from Kedarnath Temple. The entire Kedarnath valley and Kedarnath pilgrimage can be seen from here. It is believed that when Kedarnath Dham is closed for winters due to heavy snowfall, the deity in the form of Bhairavnath protects the Kedarnath temple complex as well as the entire Kedarnath valley.
RATUS KUND
Ratus Kund is a small pool (water source) at a distance of about 200 meters from the Kedarnath temple. Due to the sand in this small pond, Ratus Kund is also known as Rit Kund.
GAURIKUND
Gauri Kund serves as the base and a road head for a trek to Kedarnath, with hot springs in the village and a temple dedicated to Gauri.
VASUKI TAL
above sea level,6 km. At 4135 m, this lake is exceptional, surrounded by high mountains and offers an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.
SONPRAYAG
Sonprayag is the confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers, where there is a diversion for Triyuginarayan.
TREKKING NEAR KEDARNATH
KEDARNATH TREK
Kedarnath Trek is a moderate trek of 14 km from Gaurikund. A lot of ponies, palanquins and potters are available to make the Kedarnath trek more comfortable. Rambara is situated in the middle of Kedarnath trek.
VASUKI TAL
This trek is 6 km away from Kedarnath temple. Vasuki Tal is a famous trek due to its panoramic beauty and it is a moderate trek.
CHORABARI TAL
Chorabari Tal is a small lake which touches the Chorabari glacier at the foothills of Kedarnath mountain. Mahatma Gandhi once meditated here, hence it is also known as Gandhi Sarovar. The haunting atmosphere and secluded atmosphere compel all the visitors to feel the inner connection with the Almighty.
BHAIRON TEMPLE
In Kedarnath it is a short trek to the nearby Bhairon Temple. It is said that one should also visit this open temple during Kedarnath Dham Yatra.
Many other famous and virgin trekking options are also available from Rudraprayag to Gaurikund.
FESTIVALS IN KEDARNATH
· Vinayaka Chaturthi and Diwali are celebrated here during the months of September and October.
· Shravani Annakoot Mela is celebrated during August a day before Raksha Bandhan.
· Special samadhi puja is performed on the closing day of Kedarnath temple.