Bhairav Temple — guardian deity that watches over the shrine through winter closure.
Why Kedarnath is sacred
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the four shrines of the Char Dham pilgrimage. Legend holds that the Pandavas built the original temple after seeking Shiva’s forgiveness for the bloodshed of the Kurukshetra war; Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and dove underground here, leaving his hump behind as the object of worship.
At a glance
- Deity
- Lord Shiva
- River / Locale
- Mandakini
- Best Time
- May – June & Sept – Oct (shrine shuts Nov – Apr for winter snow)
A brief history
The stone temple seen today is credited to Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have rebuilt and revived the shrine in the 8th century CE after the original structure fell into disuse. The temple has survived floods, avalanches, and the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand flood largely intact, which locals regard as a sign of divine protection.
Highlights & rituals
A short trek to Vasuki Tal rewards with views of the Chaukhamba peaks.
The temple deity is moved each winter to Ukhimath, where worship continues for six months.
A glimpse of Kedarnath
Practical information
How to reach
- →Fly into Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, then drive to Gaurikund (about 220 km).
- →Trek 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, or take a helicopter shuttle from Phata/Sersi.
- →Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, well connected to Delhi and Haridwar.
Best time to visit
May – June & Sept – Oct (shrine shuts Nov – Apr for winter snow)
Altitude
3,583 m above sea level
Nearby attractions
Vasuki Tal glacial lakeBhairav TempleGandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)Sonprayag