Panch Kedar in Kedarnath

Five temples that are designated to Lord Shiva are famous for their mythological significance and tourist visits. The Pandavas are said to have puddles in Hindu mythology. They were heroes in the epic Mahabharata's Kurukshetra War. To repent for killing their own brothers, the Kauravas, they came to Varanasi. Varanasi is said to be the favorite place of Lord Shiva. The Pandavas sought Lord Shiva with the help of Lord Krishna's advice. Mahadev knew their intentions and tried to avoid them by disguising himself as Nandi.  Nandi was later discovered in grazing fields in Guptkashi by the Pandavas. The Pandavas tried to catch the bull but were only able to catch its hind legs and tail. Other parts disappeared into the earth and reappeared on the surface at five different locations. These locations were later collectively named "Panch Kedar." The Pandavas constructed these five temples: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyameshwar, and Kalpeshwar. It is said the Pandavas performed meditation at Kedarnath. They did Yagna and freed themselves from their sins and attained salvation. They walked the path and ascended to heaven. Here, Kedarnath is also one of the Chota Char Dhams, with Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri being the other three Dhams. It is said that any pilgrim who visits the Panch Kedar needs to visit Badrinath temple at the end of the journey as proof that they have sought the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is believed that when Lord Shiva, disguised as Nandi, disappeared into the earth, Lord Shiva’s throat fell on Kedarkantha Mountain. Travel companies in India can assist travelers in booking a Kedarnath Yatra Package that includes visits to all five locations with the assistance of experts such as travel guides.

Kedarnath Temple in Kedarnath

The tourist who wants to go on Kedarnath Yatra can only reach the shrine by trekking and not by traveling by road. They have to trek from a place called Gaurikund. Kedarnath Temple is one of the Chota Char Dhams and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hinduism. Kedarnath was completely devastated by the rage of the flood that occurred in 2013. But the temple remained unscathed from the flood because of a boulder that stood between it and the flood. It is a miracle that the temple and the devotees inside it were saved. It is said the shrine was built by Pandava when Nandi’s hump appeared on the surface. People who want to go on a Kedarnath Yatra need to pre-register. Tourists cannot visit the shrine without an E-pass. During the winters, the deity at the temple is worshipped at Ukhimath.

Tungnath Temple of Kedarnath

The place where the arms of the bull appeared, Tungnath Temple, was constructed by Pandavas. It is one of the highest among the Panch Kedar. During winter, the temple experiences severe snowfall. The pilgrims are unable to enter the temple because it has become completely inaccessible. The best time to visit the shrine is in August,  when the climate is pleasant. This temple is unique in that it is one of  Panch Kedar's Tritiya Kedar. During winters, Tungnath is worshipped at Makkumath.

Rudranath Temple in Kedarnath

This shrine was constructed at a place where the face of Lord shiva disguised as Nandi appeared. The location of the temple is at the Garhwal Himalayan mountains in Uttarakhand. The face is worshipped as ‘Neelkantha Mahadeva’. To reach the shrine, pilgrims have to trek from Sagar village which is at a distance of  3 km away from Gopeshwar. The shrine has many water tanks near it which are called Kund. Rudranath temple is the toughest trekking among the other Panch Kedar. But the view after reaching the shrine is worth all the effort and pain. During winters the symbolic representation of Rudranath is brought to a place called Gopeshwar.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple in Kedarnath

The temple is located in a village in the Garhwal Himalayas, the shrine Madhyamaheshwar was constructed where the stomach of the bull appeared. According to Hindu Mythology, it is said to be built by Pandavas. The highlight of the temple is a navel-shaped Shiva - Lingham which is worshipped. It is said that Bheema from Pandavas constructed this temple and is said to worship Lord Shiva. Near Madhyamaheshwar, there is another small temple devoted to Goddess Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of wisdom as per Hindu Mythology. During winters the main temple remains closed and the symbolic idol from it and regarded with great respect at Ukhimath.

Kalpeshwar Temple in Kedarnath

The place where the hair of Lord Shiva, disguised as Nandi, reappeared is where the temple Kalpeshwar was constructed. The shrine is said to be located in the Urgam valley. Kalpeshwar is the only temple among the other five that is open throughout the year. Pilgrims can visit the temple at any time of the year. The priests who perform the rituals are said to be disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. Previously, tourists had to trek to the temple, but there is now a road that takes them there. Everyone should experience the spiritual thrill that is built into the Kedarnath Yatra at least once in their lives.