Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Shrine.

 Kedarnath Jyotirlinga: A Sacred Shrine of Lord Shiva

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the Rudra Himalayan range in the state of Uttarakhand in India. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped peaks.

According to Hindu mythology, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is associated with the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. It is said that the Pandavas came here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone for their sins after the war of Mahabharata. However, Lord Shiva was not ready to forgive them, and he took the form of a bull and fled to Kedarnath. The Pandavas followed him and finally found him in the form of a bull at Kedarnath. Lord Shiva then granted them forgiveness and blessed them.

The Kedarnath temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya, a famous Hindu saint and philosopher, in the 8th century AD. The temple is constructed in a traditional North Indian style of architecture, and it is made of large, heavy stones. The temple has a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), which houses the Jyotirlinga. The temple is also adorned with various statues and carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses.

The Kedarnath temple is only accessible during the summer months, as it is situated in a remote location, and the weather conditions in this region are extremely harsh during the winter months. The temple is accessible by a 14 km trek from Gaurikund, which is the nearest town. The trek is considered to be very challenging, as it involves climbing steep hills and crossing fast-flowing rivers. However, the journey is worth it, as the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are truly mesmerizing.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is not only a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus but also an important tourist destination. Every year, thousands of devotees from all over the world visit this holy site to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple is open from April to November, and during this time, the temple is crowded with devotees and tourists alike.

In conclusion, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is an essential part of Hindu mythology and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. The temple's scenic beauty, coupled with its historical and religious significance, attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. A visit to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is an experience of a lifetime, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits this holy site.

Om Namah Shivay/Har Har Mahadev