Badrinath is one of the most famous units of the Chota Chardham Yatra and the Do Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Temple is believed to have been completed in the 7th century. Located in Badrinath, Uttarakhand, this temple is one of the top destinations for pilgrims.
One of the shrines considered Lord Shiva's abode is the Kedarnath Temple. The temple is nested in the Rudraprayag district and the Kedarnath Mountains encircle the Kedarnath temple. These mountains are covered with snow during the winter months. The sacred river Mandakini flows nearby the Kedarnath temple. The temple is placed at an apex of 3,583 meters. The Kedarnath temple was first envisioned and constructed by the Pandavas. They played a critical role in the story of Mahabharata. The report reveals the existence of a rivalry between the masses of Kauravas and Pandavas. The rivalry reached its climax when the entire side of the Kauravas was eliminated by the Pandavas. The barbarism that was practiced in the war was unacceptable in the eyes of Lord Shiva. He decides to discipline Pandavas by declining the most sought state of Moksha. Pandavas being unaware of the intentions of Lord Shiva searched for him. When they found him in Guptkashi, he escaped from their clutches by disappearing into the earth. During this episode, Lord Shiva was disguised as Nandi and the Pandavas mourned for their dead brothers. The parts of the bull appeared at five different places in Uttarakhand. The place where the hump of the bull appeared, came to be known as Kedarnath temple. The place where the arms of the bull appeared, started to be known as Tungnath temple. The place where the face of the bull appeared, was later named Rudranath. The place where the navel of the bull appeared was called the Madhyamaheshwar temple. The place where the hair of the bull appeared was called Kalpeshwar temple. These five temples lie close to each other and are known as Panch Kedar. There are things to consider before visiting the temple.
1.Kedarnath temple is one of the Chota Char Dham and 12 Jyotirlingas. The other temples in Chota Char Dham are Badrinath. Gangotri and Yamunotri. There is a story of Badrinath that is connected to the Kedarnath temple. Lord Vishnu who is the deity worshiped at Badrinath once performed severe penance for Lord Shiva. Mahadev pleased by his action, fulfilled his wish to stay at the Kedarnath for the welfare of the entire human race. Kedarnath temple is also part of the 12 Jyotirlingas that are all devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that pilgrims who visit these Jyotirlingas will attain the path of salvation.
2.Kedarnath temple was immersed in ice for 400 years. Such a long timeline has produced yellow lines on the walls of the temple. These lines are evidence of the glacial activities according to the scientist. Kedarnath temple holds a record of being more than 1000 years old. The temple was first constructed by the Pandavas as a symbol of devotion and apology. It is said that Lord Shiva granted them salvation by accepting their apology. Pandavas found their path to salvation at the Kedarnath temple. After some time-lapse, the temple was reconstituted by the monk Adi Shankaracharya, who was considered a prodigy. He attained Samadhi near the Kedarnath temple. This site is also visited by pilgrims to pay their respect to the architect of the Kedarnath temple.
3.The Kedarnath temple will be open to pilgrims on the 25th of April 2023. The opening dates are decided on the Akshaya Tritiya by the highest priest. Then once the dates are decided, they are announced on the Maha Shivratri. The closing dates are on the 14th of November 2023. The dates are always fixed two days after Diwali. The closing date is on the eve of Bhai Dooj. Such important dates are also monitored by the Government of India to avoid convenience. Pilgrims can find these dates from relevant sources like the official website of the temple. The temple is only accessible to the public only for a brief period of six months. Temple remains closed for six months after Diwali.
4.The best time to visit the Kedarnath temple is during the summer months when the temperature is moderate. The summer season falls in the Kedarnath dham between April and June. Once the monsoon season begins in the area, the trekking part becomes difficult. The place experiences heavy rainfall and landslides. Pilgrims who visit the shrine during these seasons should carry some important things. Visiting Kedarnath temple during pre-winters is also enjoyable. But once the winter starts in November, it gets extremely difficult to navigate around the temple. The Kedarnath trek becomes inconvenient. Pilgrims should always avoid Kedarnath yatra during monsoons and winters. During winters, the deity is carried to a shrine called Omkareshwar in Ukhimath. At this place, the rituals dedicated to the deity are continued by the chief priest. This is done because the roads get blocked by heavy income from the snow.
5.The Kedarnath entrance only allows pilgrims who have registered themselves. They can acquire registration from both online and offline methods. In online registration, the pilgrim needs to provide details like name, gender, age, and photograph to the online registration form. Once all the details are provided, the registration for the Kedarnath yatra will be completed. Pilgrims have to compulsory carry hard copies of the registered Yatra passes. Pilgrims can also register themselves at the offline portals that are placed at the entrances of the Chota Char Dham. People who are booking the helicopter services should have registered Yatra passes. Once the booking is completed pilgrims have to carry, these hard copies of the helicopter booking with them. Digital formats of these passes will not be accepted at the entrances.
6.Being physically fit and healthy before visiting the Kedarnath temple is the prominent guideline that should be followed. As the temple is positioned at 3,583 meters altitude and can be reached through a more than 16 km trek. The Kedarnath Dham also lacks the adequate amount of oxygen that is needed for our lungs because of the elevation. So people with respiratory complaints or other ailments should avoid the trip or opt for helicopter services. People can also take ponies and mules which will help with the trekking distance.
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