Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple (केदारनाथ मंदिर) is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand.

Overview

The Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to Shiva as Kedarnath. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the Chardham sites, located at 3,583 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas.

History and Legend

According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war to atone for their sins. The present temple is believed to have been revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. The temple is one of the highest-altitude Jyotirlingas and remains closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.

Architecture and Features

The temple is built of massive stone slabs and features a sanctum housing the Kedarnath Jyotirlingam. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is accessible only by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. The Adi Shankaracharya samadhi is located behind the temple.

Modern Status

The temple is managed by the Shri Kedarnath Temple Committee under the Uttarakhand government. The 2013 floods caused significant damage to the area, and extensive restoration work has been undertaken. The temple opens in May and closes in November.

Verification Notes

• Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a Chardham site; attributed to the Pandavas.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).