Lord Shiva’s Abode:- Kedarnath is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva resides in the form of a lingam (an abstract representation of the deity)
Pilgrimage:- Kedarnath is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. Devotees visit the temple to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, to attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth), and to perform rituals for their ancestors.
Char Dham Yatra:- Kedarnath is one of the destinations in the Char Dham Yatra, a religious pilgrimage circuit in the Himalayas that also includes Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Pilgrims believe that visiting these four shrines will cleanse them of their sins.
Spiritual Significance:- It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned Hindu philosopher and theologian, established the Kedarnath temple in the 8th century. The temple holds great spiritual and historical significance.
Natural Beauty:-Kedarnath is situated amidst stunning Himalayan landscapes, which are also considered spiritually significant. The surrounding natural beauty is often seen as a manifestation of Lord Shiva’s divine presence.
Rituals:-Devotees engage in various rituals, including the offering of flowers, milk, and ghee to the Shiva Lingam. The temple is open to pilgrims only for a few months each year due to extreme weather conditions.
Mythology:-According to Hindu mythology, Kedarnath is associated with the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. It is believed that they sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for their sins after the Kurukshetra war at this very spot.
