Kedarnath is one of the 4 Char Dham Pilgrimage centers in Uttarkhand and it attracts lakhs of visitors every year especially during the Char Dham Yatra season. Kedarnath town and its grand Shiva temple are only accessible between the months of May to October as in winter there is heavy snowfall. Kedarnath has good accessibility from the important pilgrimage centers of Hardwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Kotdwar which are a part of Garhwal region. The town of Kedarnath is an important tourist destination which has a lot of interesting attractions.
Kedarnath Temple
Any mention of Kedarnath is not possible before describing the Kedarnath Temple first. This is a 1000 year old gorgeously carved temple that has a pristine white statue of NANDI Bull at the gates. The entire temple is built of huge and evenly cut and polished slabs of white and grey stone. The inner main sanctum is called Garba Griha and this is here most religious rites take place. The Mandap of the temple is also a major attraction. A conical shaped rock believed to be blessed by Shiva himself, is one of the most revered monoliths of this temple.
Bhairav Nath Temple
This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at a little distance from the Kedarnath Temple Complex. Mythology has it that Bhairav Nath was blessed by Vaishno Devi and this why respects are first paid to Bhairav Nath before devotees visit the Kedarnath temple complex.
Triyuginarayan
Triyuginarayan is situated at a distance of about 6 km from Son Prayag. The beautiful ancient village of Rudraprayag is famous for its century old Vishnu temple which bears similarity to Kedarnath architecture. Its believed that the holy marriage of Shiva and Parvati tool place here. There is a holy flame which is always kept alight in front of the temple.
There are 4 sacred kunds nearby like Vishnu Kund, Brahma Kund and Rudra Kund.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund is one of the most interesting pilgrimage sites which lie near Kedarnath, Gaurikund is at a total elevation of 1982 meter and it houses a sacred temple that is dedicated to Parvati goddess. It’s known that Parvati meditated for several years to win Shiva as her consort. A dip in Gaurikund is believed to wash away all the sins.
Guptakashi
Guptakashi is an ideal stop over site for devotees who are travelling to Kedarnath as it hosts the famous Ardhanarishwar and Vishwanath temples. There are two gushing streams symbolizing Yamuna and Ganga which flow near the Ardhanarishwar temple which is the famous half shiva half Parvati idol.
Chandrashila
Located at a distance of 20 km from Rudraprayag district, Chandrashila is one of the most picture perfect places near Kedarnath. Chandrahila is at an elevation of 3679 meters and is a good spot for trekking. Activities like skiing and mountain climbing is done here and it’s a good spot for adventure tourism.
Vasuki Tal
This is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Uttarakhand and is located at a distance of 8 km from Kedarnath. Vasuki Tal is situated at a total altitude of 4135 meters above sea level and it is surrounded by the scenic Himalayan ranges along with the famous Chaukhamba peaks. The Vasuki glacier is also an important tourist destination and it can only be accessed between the months June to October.
ChorBari
This is a beautiful Sarovar situated about 2 km away from the holy town of Kedarnath. Legend has it that the oldest Pandava brother; Yudhisthira began the ascent to heaven from this Sarovar. Tourists are delighted to see this beautiful lake surrounded by white and pink lily blooms.
Agastyamuni
Agastyamuni is situated at a distance of 20 km from Kedarnath and is a famous tourist place in its own right. It is believed that Agastyamuni meditated here for at least one year and it is then that the gorgeous temple dedicated to saint Agastya was built. Interestingly all the images of the temple are carved into the walls.
Kedarnath Mountain
The Kedarnath Mountain ranges flanks the religious town of Kedarnath and it is one of the best trekking destinations of India. Gaumukh and the Gangotri peak of the Kedarnath mountain ranges are quite famous and the Kedarnath Dome is a popular ski slope.
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