Kedarnath is one of the most prominent temples in Hindu tradition. With a glorious history spanning 1200 years, Kedarnath Temple is a dream destination for everyone in India and abroad. Millions of tourists visit Kedarnath temple every year, as it is believed that just by visiting Kedarnath temple, one can atone for one's sin and be relieved from the cycle of birth and death. In addition to spirituality, this temple is also known for its natural beauty, so a large number of youngsters also visit this place to admire the beauty of Kedarnath temple and get blessings from Lord Shiva. It's truly said that there is only one difference between Swarg and Kedarnath, i.e., in Swarg you will find gods, and at Kedarnath, Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev. It's very beautiful and holds great importance for its devotees. In addition to Kedarnath Temple, there are thousands of other places where you can go during your visit. I am listing the top 5 places you can't afford to miss.
The other most prominent temple in this area is Triyuginarayan Temple. It is also known as the mairraige spot of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. As per the legends, it is said that Maa Parvati did penance to get Lord Shiva as his husband. Lord Shiva was pleased by her penance, and both of them got married at this temple. It is believed that Lord Brahma acted as Pujari and Lord Vishnu as brother of Maa Parvati. Other gods were also present as witnesses during the mairrage. This temple is named Triyuginarayn Temple, as it has been standing there for three yugas. It is also known as Akhand Dhuni temple due to the perpetual fire in the compound of the temple, which is believed to be burning the mairrage of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Travelers offer wood to this fire to keep it alive. It is getting popular as a wedding destination, and many celebrities are getting attracted toward this temple for religious purposes. You can also get married at this place. Getting married at this place is completely free; you just need to meet the marriage age set by the Government of India. This temple is located just 19 km from Kedarnath temple and is well connected by road, but keep in mind that it's a mountain road with a single lane, so it would take around an hour to reach there, and don't dare to drive on your own if you are new to this region. Hire a professional local driver who will take you to this temple safely.
Another miraculous temple located near Kedarnath temple is Retus Kund, which generates bubbles if anyone chants "Om Namah Shivay" or "Har Har Mahadev" near this temple. Water from this kund is also used for abishek of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath and can be taken with you to home. This temple is believed to have divine power, and the water of this kund can cure many ailments and keep negative energy out of the house. As per the mythology, Kamdev perished in the anger of Lord Shiva. His consort Rati started crying at the same place, and a fountain of tears emerged, creating this Kund. Another story says that the Bhima, one of the Pandavas, worshipped Lord Shiva here.
It is also known as Bhairo Baba Mandir is located 400 meters away from Kedarnath Temple. Bhairo Nath is considered the protector god of Kedarnath Dham. He is considered the first incarnation of Lord Shiva, and the dog is considered the vahan. This temple provides a bird's-eye view of Kedarnath Dham, and devotees visit this place to offer musturd oil to the Lord and get a blessing of prosperity. The Yatra to Kedarnath Temple can't be considered complete without visiting this temple. Trekking to this temple is very beautiful and equally rewarding.
Another famous temple near Kedarnath is Gaurikund temple, dedicated to Maa Parvati. As per the legend, it is believed that Maa Parvati did penance to gain Lord Shia as her husband. This place is also famous as the birthplace of Lord Ganesha and the place where Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha and replaced his head with the head of a baby elephant. This temple is en route to Kedarnath Temple and is located 16 km away from the temple. The hot water kund at Gaurikund is very famous, and it is believed that taking a dip in this kund before proceeding to the Kedarnath temple will ensure your safety during the kedarnath yatra. It is also considered to be very auspicious. If you are also planning to go to Kedarnath, then don't forget to take a dip in this hot water spring.
Last but not least, Dhari Devi Temple is a well-known temple en route to Kedarnath Yatra and is considered the protector god of Char Dham temples located in Uttarakhand. This miraculous temple is located in the middle of the Mandakini River, and it is believed that it controls the flow of water in this river. As per the newpaper reports, it is said that the flood of 2013 that occurred at Kedarnath was mainly due to the replacement of the idol of Dhari Devi from her original position. The government was planning to construct a dam on the Mandakini River near Dhari Devi Temple, so they removed the idol from its original place, and on the same day, Uttarakhand witnessed one of the dedliest floods in its history. Later, the government decided to place the idol in its original place. The diet of this temple is considered to be living, as you can see from the changing face of Dhari Devi. In the morning, Dizzy will appear as a young girl, in the afternoon as a young lady, and in the evening as an old lady. Locals here in Uttarakhand worship Dhari Devi with great respect and believe he can cure their curse. If you are planning to visit Kedarnath, don't miss out on visiting this temple.
Some or all of the places can be covered along with the Kedarnath yatra. If you are taking the Kedarnath tour package, then as your tour operator, you should include at least some of these places in your itinerary with some or no extra cost.