Ancient Origins: The Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata, around 3,000 years ago.
Destruction by Natural Disasters: Over the centuries, the temple faced several natural disasters, including earthquakes and avalanches, which led to its destruction multiple times.
Adi Shankaracharya’s Role: Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned Hindu philosopher, is credited with reviving the temple in the 8th century. He is said to have visited Kedarnath and re-established the shrine as an important pilgrimage site.
Recent History: In June 2013, a devastating flash flood and landslide struck the region, causing widespread destruction, including severe damage to the Kedarnath Temple and its surroundings. Thousands of lives were lost.
Reconstruction Efforts: After the 2013 disaster, extensive efforts were launched to rebuild the temple and restore the area. The reconstruction work included reinforcing the temple’s foundation and making it more resilient to future disasters.
Reopening: The Kedarnath Temple was reopened for pilgrims in May 2014, less than a year after the disaster, symbolizing the resilience and devotion of the people involved in its reconstruction.
Ongoing Maintenance: Since then, continuous efforts have been made to maintain and preserve the temple, as it remains a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
