Uttarakhand, India

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India

9.5/10

Best time: May to June, September to October

6 hours

Welcome to Kedarnath, a super special temple nestled high in the Himalayas! This ancient Jyotirlinga, also known as Kedar Khanda in olden times, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legend says the Pandavas built it long, long ago. Visiting Kedarnath is a thrilling adventure and a spiritual journey, a must-do on your India travel list!

Culture

Hiking

History

Mountain

Photography

Pilgrimage

Religion

Scenic-View

Spirituality

Trek

Trekking

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 1

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 2

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 3

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple - Photo 4

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Additional Places

In Jaipur

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Top Activities in Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

1
Attend The Morning Aarti Ceremony.
2
Capture The Scenic Beauty In Photos.
3
Explore The Local Market For Souvenirs.
4
Meditate In The Serene Environment.
5
Trek To Vasuki Tal Lake.
6
Visit The Bhairavnath Temple.

Detailed Information

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

When to visit place on the day

Early Morning

Approximate expense

₹5,000 per person

History

The history of Kedarnath Temple is shrouded in legend and antiquity. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas, seeking redemption after the Kurukshetra war, came to the Himalayas to seek Lord Shiva. Shiva, wishing to avoid them, transformed himself into a bull and hid among the cattle. Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, recognized Shiva and tried to seize him. Shiva then dived into the earth, leaving behind his hump at Kedarnath. The present temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The temple has withstood the test of time and natural calamities, including the devastating floods of 2013, and remains a symbol of faith and resilience.

Other Places to Explore in Rudraprayag

9/10

Kartik Swami Temple

Kartik Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva, is a revered shrine perched at an altitude of approximately 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, including the Chaukhamba range. The trek to the temple is an integral part of the pilgrimage, winding through lush forests and offering serene landscapes. The spiritual ambiance and the stunning natural beauty make it a truly unforgettable experience. The temple is known for its unique tradition of offering hair to Lord Kartikeya. Pilgrims visit throughout the year, though the summer months are particularly popular due to the pleasant weather. The temple provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting visitors to connect with nature and spirituality.

4 hours

Morning

₹1,500

Attend the morning aarti ceremony

Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalay...

9/10

Shri Tungnath Temple

Shri Tungnath Temple, nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar temples. Perched at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 ft), the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, and Trishul. The trek to Tungnath is a moderate climb of about 3 kilometers from Chopta, a picturesque meadow. The serene environment and spiritual atmosphere make it a popular destination for pilgrims and adventure enthusiasts alike. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, specifically his arm or 'Bahu'. The architecture is simple yet elegant, reflecting the traditional style of Uttarakhand temples. Visitors can experience tranquility and connect with nature while immersing themselves in the rich Hindu mythology associated with the region.

4 hours

Morning

₹2,000

Attend the morning aarti at temple.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Chopta.

8/10

Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi

Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi in Rudraprayag is a memorial dedicated to the Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. It marks the spot where he is believed to have attained enlightenment and merged with the divine. The samadhi is a serene and spiritually charged place, attracting pilgrims and tourists seeking solace and enlightenment. The architecture is simple yet elegant, reflecting the ascetic life of Shankaracharya. The surrounding landscape of Rudraprayag, with the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, adds to the tranquil ambiance. Visitors can meditate, reflect, and learn about the life and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya.

2 hours

Morning

₹500

Explore the confluence of rivers.

Learn about Adi Shankaracharya's lif...

9/10

Rudraprayag Sangam

Rudraprayag Sangam is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, a sacred site revered in Hinduism. The vibrant turquoise waters of the Alaknanda meet the calmer Mandakini, creating a visually stunning and spiritually significant location. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit to witness this holy union, take a dip in the icy waters, and offer prayers at the nearby Rudranath Temple. The atmosphere is filled with the sound of flowing water and chanting, creating a serene and uplifting experience. The sangam is easily accessible and a must-visit for anyone traveling through Rudraprayag. The powerful energy of the confluence is believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings.

2 hours

Morning

₹500

Attend the evening aarti ceremony.

Capture scenic views of the rivers.

8/10

Hariyali Devi Temple

Hariyali Devi Temple, nestled amidst lush greenery in Rudraprayag, is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Hariyali, an incarnation of Parvati. The temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit this serene spot to seek blessings, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty. The temple is particularly vibrant during the Navratri festival, when special prayers and celebrations are held. The journey to the temple is an experience in itself, with winding roads offering glimpses of the picturesque Garhwal region. It's a perfect destination for those seeking spiritual solace and a connection with nature.

2 hours

Morning

₹500

Attend local festivals (if available...

Enjoy panoramic views of Himalayas