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Kedarnath is a majestic sight located at the source of Mandakini river in Uttaranchal state of India. It is situated amidst a wide plateau and surrounded by lofty snow capped peaks. Kedarnath is famous for Kedarnath Temple. It is one of the twelve 'jyotirlingas', 12 special shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva since ancient times, of India. There are many temples in Kedarnath.
The present Kedarnath Temple was constructed in 8th century by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. The exquisite architectural temple has walls decorated with scenes from mythological stories and images of gods and goddesses. The sanctorum of the temple enshrines the conical lingam and the temple has a statue of Nandi, the celestial bull. The temple is formed of large grey stone slabs. It is said that this temple is older than 1000 years. On the south side of the main temple there stands Bhairavnath Temple, which is dedicated to God Bairav.
Shankaracharya Samadhi is another place of interest in Kedarnath. The Samadhi, final resting place, of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located right behind the Kedarnath Temple. It is said that he went for samadhi after establishing the four dhams in India. Chorabari is also good place just about 2 km away. It is a small lake from where Yudhishtir, the eldest among Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven. Another picturesque lake is Vasuki Tal, which is located at a distance of approximately 6 km. It is encircled by lofty mountains and offers overlooking view of Chaukhamba peaks.
Gaurikund is a place from where trekking begins to Kedarnath. Kedarnath is about 14 km from this place. The temple dedicated to Gauri, wife of Lord Shiva, is built here. Also there are thermal springs, which are believed to have medical properties. Located at a distance of about 20 km there is a place called Sonprayag. It is a confluence of River Mandakini and River Son Ganga. At a distance of 5 km trek from this place there is Triyuginarayan. This place is said to be mythological venue of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Gauri. An eternal flame that burns even today in the front of the temple is believed to have been a witness to their marriage. These places are at few distances from Kedarnath.
The Ardhnarishwar Temple and Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi, place at about 49 km from Kedarnath, are worth seeing. Ukshimath is another important place as it is home to Kedarnath during winter. Apart from these, Agastyamuni is a place located at approximate distance of 73 km, which has temple dedicated to sage Agastya. The peak of Chandrashila is located at a distance of about 93 km. The trekkers can have good experience at trek from Tungnath to Chandrashila.
Kedarnath is well connected by roads to adjacent places. Regular buses ply from Rishikesh and Kotdwar to this place. Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport, while Rishikesh and Kotdwar are nearest railheads. Tourists can even hire a vehicle for reaching this place.
The charming natural beauty and popular pilgrimage centers have given Kedarnath a very important place in the hearts of tourists and pilgrims.
To know more about tourist attractions in Uttaranchal go to:
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