Kedarnath Temple
* Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India
* Deity: Lord Shiva
* History: The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
* Architecture: The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture.
* Significance: Kedarnath is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.
* Festivals: The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims during the annual Char Dham Yatra.
* Tips for Visiting:
* The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months (April to June).
* The temple is located at an altitude of 3,584 meters, so it can be cold, even during the summer months.
* It is advisable to carry warm clothes and be prepared for rain.
* The temple is located in a remote area, so it is important to book your transportation in advance.
* There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Kedarnath, but it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance during the peak season.
Architecture
Architecture of Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Kedarnath in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture, and is made of black stone. It is a three-tiered structure, with a pyramidal roof and a shikhara (spire) rising to a height of 108 feet. The temple complex also includes a number of other buildings, such as a guesthouse, a kitchen, and a library.
Key features of the architecture
* The temple is built on a raised platform, and is approached by a flight of steps.
* The main shrine is housed in a square sanctum sanctorum, which is reached through a vestibule.
* The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a circumambulatory path.
* The temple is decorated with sculptures of deities and other religious figures.
* The temple complex is surrounded by a wall, which has four gates.
Significance of the temple
The Kedarnath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to the temple can absolve one of all sins. The temple is also associated with the legend of the Pandavas, who are said to have visited the temple after the Kurukshetra War.
History of the temple
The Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD. However, the earliest written records of the temple date back to the 12th century AD. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in the 19th century.
Present status of the temple
The Kedarnath Temple is open to pilgrims from April to November. During the winter months, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall. The temple is managed by the Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Board.
References
* [Kedarnath Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kedarnath_Temple)
* [Kedarnath Temple Architecture](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kedarnath-Temple)