Find out about the History of Kedarnath Temple.pdf

Explore Kedarnath Temple History—a sacred abode of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand. Unveil the legends, spiritual significance, and unsolved mysteries that make this Himalayan shrine one of the most revered pilgrimage sites.

1. Find out about the History of Kedarnath Temple
Welcome to the Kedarnath Temple History Post. Kedarnath Temple is one of holiest Hindu
pilgrimages to worship the Lord Shiva. Located amidst the Garhwal Himalayas of
Uttarakhand, this holy shrine is a part of both Char Dham Yatra as well as Panch Kedar.
Backdropped by the majestic Himalayas and suffused with spirituality, Kedarnath has served
as a beacon of faith for centuries.
Situated amidst snow capped mountain peaks and close to the Mandakini River, the temple
enjoys great religious and cultural importance. Open for just a few months each year because
of extreme weather, Kedarnath Temple is a timeless testament to devotion and survival —
India at its most fervent. To really know its divinity, check out our Char Dham Yatra
packages and schedule your sacred tour now.
The Story Behind Kedarnath Temple
Hindu mythology steeped Kedarnath Temple. Legend from the Mahabharata After battling in
the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas retired and handed their kingdom to their grandson
Parikshit. Not to be easily forgived, Shiva disguised himself as a bull and retreated into the
Himalayas.

2. Shiva disguised himself and hid in the form of a bull. Whereupon the Pandavas pursued him,
with Bhima sending his mace in pursuit. Upon being caught by Bhima, Shiva threw himself
on the ground as he attempted to trick Bhima. To him, the strongest in war of all the Chulya
race, did Bhima take firm hold of that bull's hump, but the remaining part sank into the ground.
As the hump is worshipped as Lord Shiva in Kedarnath, other body parts were found at four
other locations, and thus all these sites came to be known as Panch Kedar.
According to the legend, Kedarnath is the seat of Lord Shiva. Who is worshipped here in the
form of a Jyotirlinga. Thousands of devotees come to Kedarnath every year to receive
blessings, penance and salvation.
Are you planning to start your journey from Delhi? Explore our Char Dham Yatra package
from Delhi for a seamless pilgrimage experience.
Who meditated in Kedarnath prior to the Pandavas?
There are mentions of sages and rishis meditating there, prior to the Pandavas' visit. Adi
Shankaracharya is said to have meditated here in the 8th century and subsequently revived
the temple, making it a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site, and a popular belief holds. That he
also came across the idol of Lord Badrinarayan, which had been lying untouched by anyone
since time immemorial merely on the ground beside Tapt Kund.
People say that Adi Shankaracharya achieved samadhi at Kedarnath and his shrine. It draws
devotees from around the world.
The Mystery of Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple attracts worshippers and captivates them with its mysteries. That still
baffles pilgrims and scholars alike:
Undying Structure – Constructed using colossal stone blocks and without the use of any
mortar, this temple has outlasted floods, earthquakes and cruel weather. Its vitality is deemed
a miracle from the gods.
2013 Floods Survival – When the fatal flash floods attacked in 2013, everything damaged
except Kedarnath Temple and standing tall even today. A big rock(Bhim Shila) located behind
the temple os considered to have saved it.
Wonder Built on High-Elevation – Constructed at an altitude of 3,583m, and with no known
construction technology that exists in the world today possible for use in ancient times; this
temple still baffles historians.
No Definite Historical Records – Although the origin of the temple is considered to be
thousands of years old. We don’t have any sure written records about its construction.

3. According to some, it was established by the Pandavas, and by Adi Shankaracharya
according to others.
If you prefer a faster and more comfortable option, you can also explore the Do Dham Yatra
by helicopter.
Tapt Kund and Ritual Baths
Just as Badrinath has the Tapt Kund, there are the many shrines and kunds (water tanks)
around Kedarnath. Where pilgrims wash themselves before going into the temple. These holy
waters are said to have the ability to purify sins and cleanse the soul. Thus preparing pilgrims
for worship of the divine.
Why Kedarnath is Special
Kedarnath is not only the temple — it is devotion and resilience. Pilgrims walk up a steep trail,
through snow and inclement weather to Lord Shiva’s residence. A spiritual walk that
transcends the act of surrender and enlightenment.
FAQs About Kedarnath Temple History
1. Which god is Kedarnath a temple of?
Ans: Lord Shiva as Kedarnath or the “Lord of the Field” in a Jyotirlinga virupaksha form.
2. Why is Kedarnath Temple history famous?
Ans: It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, one of the Char Dham and Panch Kedar, and the power
of the hoary-headed God Shiva.
3. Who built the Kedarnath Temple?
Ans: The Pandavas constructed it, and Adi Shankaracharya restored it in the 8th century.
4. Why Kedarnath Temple is closed for 6 months?
Ans: They shifted the idol to Ukhimath due to heavy snowfall and extremely cold winters.
Where worship goes on during the time of closing.
5. What saved Kedarnath Temple in the floods of 2013?
Ans: It was the Bhim Shila, a large rock that deflected the floodwaters away from the temple,
ultimately saving it.
Note: Epic Yatra provides the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar (9 nights, 10 days) and Delhi
(11 nights, 12 days) if you're searching for a road trip to Char Dham. View our in-depth articles
about the Char Dham Yatra package from Haridwar.

4. Conclusions
The Kedarnath Temple is not just a place of worship, but rather it’s one of the holiest temples
of India, being a timeless monument to faith itself – its resilience and divine supremacy. Based
on the ancient Pandava legends as interpreted by Tulsidas, the 16th-century Bhakti poet, the
festival idolizes Lord Shiva (one of the main deities of Shaivism).
As the lynching of Yeti-in-Kedarnath-heralds-honesty, in-town crime becomes an inspiration
for faith in Kedarnath, and against all odds of extreme weather conditions, natural disasters
and centuries of transformation, Kedarnath has emerged as one eternal beacon shining bright
amidst the high-rising peaks. To the pilgrim that comes to pray at this holy shrine, it is not
only a mountain path through but also an inner journey leading to peace and freedom.
If you are planning your pilgrimage, Kedarnath is a magical experience—mythology meets
history, and spirituality comes together under one.
Epic Yatra also provides Do Dham and Ek Dham Yatra packages for Hindu pilgrims. Check
out our detailed post on the Do Dham Yatra packages for a meaningful spiritual journey.

Book Now