Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple, located amidst the Kedarnath Mountain Range, is a prominent pilgrimage centre, where the Jyotirlinga of Hindu Lord Shiva is enshrined. This Jyotirlinga of Kedarnath, located at an altitude of 3584 m is the most significant of all the 12 Jyotirlingas. River Mandakini flows close by this 8th century AD temple, which was founded by Adi Shankaracharya. This temple is adjacent to an old temple, which according to legend was built by the Pandavas. One can see figures of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses in the inner walls of the assembly hall.

A statue of Nandi Bull, who according to mythological stories is the mount of Lord Shiva, is placed outside the temple as a guard. The temple which dates back to more than 1000 years was built using uniformly cut heavy stone slabs on a rectangular platform. There is a ‘Garbha Griha’ in the temple where devotees worship the Lord. In addition, one can also find a mandap in the temple premises, where various religious ceremonies are held. According to folklore, after the fight of Kurukshetra was over, the Pandavas came to this temple to repent for their sins.