Kedarnath history is associated with its temple, among shiva hindu temples or jyotirlingas and well publized. The temple lies in Uttarakhand, India, on the Mandakini river near the mouth coming from the Charuba tour hill. You can walk 22 kms from Gaurikund to reach here. The harsh weather is such that it can be visited only between April to November. It is closed the rest of the year. A shift occurs during winter months at Ukhimath. The temple is associated with the Pandavas. It is a major one among the Chota Char Dham and the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. Despite the devastation caused by the 2013 floods in the region, the temple largely remained intact because a large mountain rock protected it.
Let’s Dive into Background and Prestige of Kedarnath History
1. Background Belief
Today, Kedarnath is situated at a place supposed to be called Kedar Khand. The great sage, saint, and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya wrote about this piece of land in historical accounts in the 8th century. He is famous for migrating from his native place Kerala to Kedarnath. Throughout the course, he set up many mutths, temples, and pilgrimages. With the hope to rejuvenate the sense of Hinduism amongst the common Hindu people, he set up the chota char dham yatra at devbhoomi Uttarakhand. He spent a long period of his life here in Kedarnath dham and breathed his last here as well.
They have established a sacred shrine dedicated to Adi Shankara right behind the temple to commemorate his excellent visionary pilgrimage circuits. Today, people widely embrace and respect these circuits, which include temples and shrines. Paying respect and salutation to the idol of Adi Shankara have now become a common tradition in this place. After the massacre of 2013 this Samadhi is under construction at an underground chamber to keep it safe for future visitation.
From: Official website of Shiv Temple Bagh, Called Suket(Himachal).
2. Sacred Place in the Himalayas Kedarnath Temple
Location and Meaning
Located 3,583 m (11,755 feet) above sea level and some 223 km (139 mi) from Rishikesh, Kedarnath holds a view of the Mandakini River, a tributary of the Ganga. Though the temple’s history is unclear and there’s no record of who constructed it, its name Kedarnath is Sanskrit in origin. It means “the lord of the field.”
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Legends of Kedarnath
The Pandavas Quest
The five Pandava brothers went to meet Lord Shiva and begged for his forgiveness. When Bhima went in the quest of Shiva’s absence as a bull near Guptakashi, he tried to capture him. Shiva escaped from the attack of Bhima and hid himself by going into the ground, later appeared in five different locals in the form of Linga. The builders constructed the Panch Kedar temples, among which they established Kedarnath.
Constructing the Panch Kedar Temples
In another version, Bhima successfully captured the bull and divided it into five parts. It was after this series of events that the Pandavas built temples here and started performing rituals of salvation.
Historical & Religious Importance
Early Mentions and Influence
In the 7th-8th centuries, the Skanda Purana refers to the place as “Kedar Khand”, the abode of Shiva. Kedarnath was already a popular pilgrimage site by the 12th century. Adi Shankara, an 18th-century philosopher, revived it. People believe he attained MahSamadhi at the location.
Tradition and Pilgrimage
People have worshiped Kedarnath here for thousands of years, while Teerth Purohits, the first priests, take care of this place. Kedarnath history is a part of the Panch Kedar yatra of Uttarakhand and counts among a pilgrim’s travelling itinerary. Devotees pay homage to Lord Shiva at Kedarnath before visiting Badrinath.
Unique Tradition
Mountaineer Eric Shipton wrote that centuries ago, a priest would hold services at Kedarnath and Badrinath temples, going back and forth between them every day. More than anything, it is one of the most holiest temples. It has this status because of its affiliation with Lord Shiva and the pandavas. The temple is located at a great height, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas. This location simply makes it further majestic and spiritual. Another magnet for pious swamis is the power-house abode of Lord Shiva, appreciated by devotees with a spiritual bent of mind to get ephemeral benefit.
3. 2013 Floods in Uttarakhand
Impact on Kedarnath Temple
On the 16 and 17 June 2013 flash floods occurred in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand and the Kedarnath valley, after “record breaking” heavy rain. Allegedly, a landslide near Kedarnath Temple caused the flood, followed by a flash flood from Chorabari Tal, which overflowed the Mandakini River. More recently this region was devastated by a natural disaster.
Kedarnath Temple Safety
One important instance that was remarkable during the floods was a mighty boulder that skimmed the Kedarnath Temple. It halted the storm flow from the temple, saving it from a massive devastation. This rock, which has been called ‘God’s Rock’ (भीम शीला), was a proof of survival in disaster.
Damage and Rescue Efforts
Although the temple remained intact after the flood all the area near the temple be it some shops or hotels or road had been completely damaged and it ended everything. The Indian Army rescued hundreds of pilgrims and local people who had died, and many others who were trapped inside the temple were air-lifted to safety.
Assessment and Reconstruction
IIT Madras experts assessed the structural integrity of Kedarnath Temple, establishing that the temple itself was not in danger of falling down in the disaster. The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering took up rebuilding the trail. They, who used to train for high altitudes, managed to restore the path to the temple for pilgrims within a year.
Closure and Recovery
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister has ordered the closure of the Kedarnath temple, a major religious spot in the region, for one year to conduct the cleaning and restoration process due to the floods. The reconstruction works aimed to develop the infrastructure and enable the security for the next pilgrims who visit this holy place.
This tragedy highlighted the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters and at the same time showcased the strength and willingness to reconstruct various pilgrimage routes and Himalayan infrastructure.
4. Kedarnath Temple Administration
Historical Background
Kedarnath Temple, along with Badrinath Temple, were brought under the fold of the Uttar Pradesh State Government Act No. 30/1948, known as Shri Badarinath and Shri Kedarnath Mandir Act (Act No. 16 of 1939). It also provided of the management of both the temples by the committee to be nominated by the state government.
Modifications and Structure
The Uttarakhand State Government amended the Act in 2002 to add additional committee members, including government officials and a vice-chairman. The temple administration board now has seventeen members,
- Three members nominated by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly
- 4 district members, one each selected by the District Councils ofC hamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwaland Uttarkashi districts
- Ten Members recommended by the Government of Uttarakhand
Religious Leadership
In the religious sphere, the temple is subject to a set of stratified authorities,jango including,
- Rawal (chief priest)
- Naib Rawal
- Acharya/Dharmadhikari
- Vedpathi
Administrative Structure
Admin Affairs of the Temple managed by,
- CEO (State)
- Assistant-Chief Executive Officer
- Two OSD
- Executive Officer
- Account Officer
- Temple Officer
- Publicity Officer
The structure ensures the orderly conduct of the affairs of the Kedarnath Temple, blending in with religious and administrative responsibilities to both pilgrims and the sanctity of the site.
5. Kedarnath Facts
- Once the creator of four pilgrimages, Mathas and sacred shrines all across India, Adi Shankaracharya had achieved Mahaparinirvana at Kedarnath and to commemorate this there is a Vicara that is located just behind the temple.
- At Kedarnath, the mool vigraha of Doleshwar Mahadev, also known as Bhaktpaur Shiv Mandir in Nepal, does not show any head, and people also believe that the head of the god remained there.
- The temple’s entire outer surface consists of white marble, symbolizing peace and unity.
- The lingam present in temple Garbhagriha is in a very special form i.e. in triangular formation. This means that no other lingam in the world is in this form thus making this temple extremely sacred and pious for all shiv Bhakts and Hindus included.
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People may ask
1. Is there any true story behind Kedarnath?
According to Hindu myth Pandavas constructed the Kedarnath temple to atone for the sins of killing their own relatives in the great battle of Mahabharata. Shiva the God whom the Pandavas were searching for in the form of a deer changed himself into a bull, and got into the earth.
2. Why is Kedarnath so special?
Kedarnath is special for its temple. It is the sacred place for devotees.
3. Do you know who built Kedarnath Temple?
Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya built it in the 8th century A.D. It stands adjacent to an even older temple constructed by the Pandavas.
4. What is the Kedarnath temple rear stone name?
Bhim Shila is known as the Miraculous rock, or God’s rock.
5. Why ghee is offered at kedarnath temple?
Ghee is a sacred offering of the Hindu religious sect in the Kedarnath Temple in the worship of the Linga. They place it on top and offer it as Naivedhyam to the Deity. But when the Archeological Survey of India visited the temple to inspect and repair the damage caused by the Kedarnath Floods, it warned side by side.
Bottom lines
Finally you get complete information about Kedarnath history. Kedarnath town and its history occupies a unique place in the memory of people who have visited here or heard its tales. With the history, the beauty of natural, spiritual meaning it is a land of high instantiation Kedarnath has been the scene of turmoil and natural catastrophe, but it still stands tall, drawing tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Above all, it is a testament to the durability of both nature and man. Hence, Kedarnath has something for every soul, be it a human with an urge of experiencing adventures of life, or the one finding peace away from the religiously charged environment in the surroundings, or a person on a quest of achieving spiritual enlightenment. Do yourself a favor and start planning your trip to witness this iconic spot for yourself.
