The Kedarnath Temple and How it Changed My Life
I staunchly believe that true pilgrimage is delving and discovering the self as a part of the Supreme. In spite of being a believer of spiritual pilgrimage I took up the Yatra (pilgrimage) to Kedarnath Temple in October, 2019. The beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand allured me. The trip changed my life. I realized that it was not me who planned the trip but it was a calling that I answered.
Flying to Kedarnath Temple
We were waiting at the Phata helipad for the confirmation of helicopter ride to Kedarnath from before the break of dawn. Helicopter availability is not as easy as perceived. We had pre-booked tickets for Rs.4800 for a day’s round trip. Yet the ride was confirmed on that booked day basis first come first serve. I was more than delighted to be the first one to get the physical ticket yet the wait after that was unbearable. The mercy of the weather definitely is something to be grateful for. Weather up there is absolutely unpredictable. Bad weather calls for immediate stop of helicopter services. Even though I am chubby, I was happy that I didn’t have to pay additional charges for that because additional charges are levied above 80kgs and I am 70. We carried the absolute essentials in our backpack, in case we got stuck for the day. It hardly took 7-8 minutes to fly to the Kedarnath base. From there we comfortably trekked for 20 minutes’ (700 m) to the temple. Flying over high mountains with streams, forests of different shades of greens, mystical clouds, River Mandakini, glaciers and snow clad peaks, was magical.
The Kedarnath Temple and my first Thoughts
I could hear voices inside my head as I was climbing the plight of steps leading to the Kedarnath Temple. I didn’t know what exactly was happening to me. It definitely was no sickness from height because I am used to high altitudes of Himalayan Mountains. I felt an instant spark of awe and wonder on standing in front of the Kedarnath Temple with the majestic snow covered peak behind it. The chants and temple bells created transcendental effect. I felt drawn to an energy field where every sorrow seemed being washed away, making me ecstatic. I sat on my knees, raised my hands towards the sky and then bowed to touch the head on the ground. Tears rolled down my cheeks. The space was that of pure joy. It was mystical. Slowly my heart beats turned normal. My tears wiped away my self-doubts. From then on I do exactly what I want or feel is right. Life has a reason and has become more beautiful.
The Visitors and Sadhus of Kedarnath Temple
The zeal and faith of numerous pilgrim, devotees and interesting Sadhus (saints and hermits) make this space around the Kedarnath Temple remarkable. Are you wondering why did I call the Sadhus interesting? Well, check out the photos below. Their way of dressing up is so unique. First, they are real subjects for photography. Second, they are cool posers.
The Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple at 11,755 feet above sea level, in the lap of the snow covered Himalayas, is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India. It is a significant part of 3 major pilgrimage circuits in India. They are Chhota Chardham, Panch Kedar* and 12 Jyotirlinga (12 sites with self-manifested Shiva shrines) Circuits. After the freezing winter, the Kedarnath Temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (end of April or early May) and closes just after Diwali (end of October or early November). The winter abode of Kedarnath Shrine is at Ukhimath.
There is a statue of Nandi (Shiva’s Bull) in front of the temple and another inside. Pilgrims whisper their wishes inside the Nandi’s ears in the hope of being fulfilled. The temple walls have carved statues of Parvati, Krishna, Draupadi and the 5 Pandavas. The garbhagriha, the most interior part of the temple, has the triangular shaped self-manifested Shivling (Shiva shrine) representing the hump of the bull. There is an intriguing mythological story to it.
The Mythological Story behind Kedarnath Temple
After the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas were looking for Lord Shiva in the Himalayas, to ask for forgiveness for killing the Kauravas, their kinsmen. Bhima, the second Pandava, identified Lord Shiva who disguised as a bull. Bhima tried to catch him. The Bull then went into the ground with his body parts coming out of the ground in various places later. This is the story behind the Panch Kedar* Circuit. In Kedarnath remained the hump, with four other parts appearing elsewhere.
Divya Bheemshila
The Divya Bheemshila is a 20 feet wide and 12 feet tall rock located behind the Kedarnath temple. It is worshipped daily as a symbol of faith and protection. The rock fell from the mountains and anchored some 30 feet behind the temple and stood against the fury of waters flowing down from the Chorabari Tal and Mandakini River in the flood of June, 2013. Some believe that the stone made the flood waters gush through both the sides of the temple, safeguarding it, destroying every other thing in their path. However, the construction of this timeless ancient temple is what makes it capable of withstanding the most difficult hazards through ages. It is said that Kedarnath temple withstood 400 years of mini ice age and glacial movements
Shankaracharya’s Samadhi site
The sacred site of Shankaracharya’s Samadhi (place of death), in the vicinity of Kedarnath temple must be visited according to Kedarnath travel guide. Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century Hindu philosopher and theologian was last seen at Kedarnath, before he set off into the mountains. He had determined Kedarnath as one of the 12 Jyotir lingas (Shiva shrines) that one should visit for salvation.
We flew back after staying for 3 hours up there at Kedarnath. The weather was fantastic. We had an amazing experience at Kedarnath. Many prefer night stay at Kedarnath Dham. Basic hotels dharamsalas and tents are available. The aartis in the evening and night are great to watch. Garwhal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) does an excellent job of managing tourism and hospitality.
Trek to the Kedarnath Temple
The old trek route from Rambara to the temple had been completely demolished in the devastating flood of 2013. The new trek route begins from Gaurikund with camps and stalls made for first aid and medical facilities, rest and refreshment. The trek level is moderate to difficult. The trek route is safe and provides gorgeous views which rejuvenate the tired trekkers. There are areas where one needs to walk over glaciers. River Mandakini, accompanies the trekkers, frivolously flowing parallel to the route. If you are planning the trek, a prior consultation with a doctor is advisable. Carry water, chocolates, dry fruits (especially raisins) and camphor and/or portable oxygen. You can avail horses to ride (Rs.2500 one side) and palkis/dolis/ palanquins pulled by potters to climb uphill (Rs. 5000 and above depending on weight for both sides). If one decides to trek, she has to stay overnight.
For a detailed Kedarnath Travel Guide and the attractions and tips, read my article https://travelogueofkuntala.com/kedarnath-travel-guide-top-attractions-tips/
- 7 Simple Techniques to Increase Mental Health Awareness - 27/05/2023
- Ruskin Bond’s Bond with the Hills - 19/05/2023
- Rabindranath Tagore’s Words & My Paintings: Rabindra Jayanti Special - 09/05/2023
Well I really enjoyed reading it. This information provided by you is very effective for proper planning.
I really love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my very own website and would love to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thank you!
Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
you are actually a excellent webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a magnificent activity on this matter!
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. But think of if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this site could undeniably be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Amazing blog!
Pingback: Tunganath Temple, The Highest of the Panch Kedar Temples - Monkatforty
Pingback: Madmaheshwar Temple, A Chapter from Panch Kedar - Monkatforty
অসাধারণ অপূর্ব সুন্দর লেখনী পড়তে পড়তে আমি পাঠক যেন নিজেই চলে গিয়েছিলাম কেদারনাথ মন্দিরে। শুধুমাত্র এই সুন্দর ভ্রমণ বর্ণনা নয়, লেখিকার আধ্যাত্মিক চেতনা তরঙ্গ, মহাকাল মহাদেবের সেই আদি অনন্ত মহাশক্তি তরঙ্গে মিশে নিমেষে পাঠকের মনেও আধ্যাত্মিক চেতনা তরঙ্গ বিস্তার লাভ করলো। মনে হলো, আমি বাবা কেদারনাথের সামনে প্রার্থনা করছি। আনন্দময় হয়ে উঠলো দিন। অনন্য সুন্দর লেখনী অনস্বীকার্য।
Beautiful Place …
Heavenly Nature….
Wonderful description …..
Wonderful description. Seems I can see the whole journey in front of my eyes.
You did the journey with me and I am grateful for that.
মানুষের জীবন সুশীল, সুনির্মল ও সুগভীর চিন্তাশীল হওয়া ভগবানের অপার আশীর্বাদ ব্যতীত দুর্লভ। সত্যানুসন্ধানী মানুষ জীবনের যাবতীয় কঠিন প্রতিবন্দকতা অক্লেশে ও নির্দ্বিধায় দূরে সরিয়ে অজানা ঈশ্বরের সীমাহীন মহিমা সন্ধানে নিবেদিত প্রাণ – মহাপ্রভুর দাসত্বও যে বাস্তবিক পক্ষে রাজত্ব ভোগের থেকে শ্রেষ্ট তথা উত্তম – একথার সারমর্ম বোঝা ঈশ্বরের আশীর্বাদ ভিন্ন অকল্পনীয় । দীপান্বিতা, তোমার সুচিন্তিত লেখনী শক্তির উপস্থাপনা শুধু মৌলিকই নয় – উৎকর্ষতায় , চিন্তাশক্তির গভীরতার থেকেও গভীর অনিন্দ্যসুন্দর বন্দনা – তোমাকে জানাই অভিনন্দন।
Khub bhalo laglo pore…Ishwar r boroder aashirvaad e kamyo. Thank you Saha Uncle.
Har Har Mahadev
Most favourite month of all…
Author,you have got great taste in describing each festival with superb enthusiasm..
हर हर महादेव
Favorite of all month❤️❤️❤️
In love with Kedarnath_dream place to visit(hopefully soon)
Author,what should i say about you, you are just awesome in bringing out the best in everything & everywhere you visit
Thanks for the elaborate write up on kedarnath. Expecting more such travelogues in the future.
A perfect raconteur, you are
Any reader can relive your experiences though your blogs.