7 Amazing Facts About Kedarnath Temple You May Not Know

Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated in Uttarakhand’s Himalayas, the temple attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage site in the midst of snow capped mountains and beautiful scenery. It is an incredible place with an interesting history and amazing facts.

7 Interesting Facts About Kedarnath Temple You Don’t Know

1. Kedarnath Is One of the 12 Jyotirlingas

Kedarnath is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas devoted to Lord Shiva. These shrines are some of the holiest sites in Hinduism, attracting worshippers from all over India and abroad.

2. The Temple Is Over 1,000 Years Old

The temple is believed to be centuries old as per historical records and traditions and is believed to have been revived by Adi Shankaracharya. It has a spiritual significance because of its ancient heritage.

3. It Stands at an Altitude of Over 3,500 Metres

Kedarnath Temple is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,583 metres above sea level. This makes it one of the highest and toughest pilgrimage sites in India.

4. The 2013 Floods Could Not Destroy the Temple

The most extraordinary episode in the history of Kedarnath occurred during the calamitous floods of 2013. Many devotees find it amazing that the main temple structure survived almost intact while the surrounding areas suffered heavy damage.

5. A Massive Rock Protected the Temple

In the 2013 disaster, a huge boulder stopped just behind the temple and diverted the flow of debris and floodwater. This rock is now popularly known as ‘Divya Shila’ and is visited by pilgrims.

6. Kedarnath Is Part of the Char Dham Yatra

Kedarnath is one of the four holiest places of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit of Uttarakhand, the other three being Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

7. The Temple Opens Only for Part of the Year

Because of the extreme winter conditions and heavy snowfall, the Kedarnath Temple is only open for a few months each year. In winter the deity is taken to another shrine and worship continues there.

Read more: Odisha or West Bengal: Which State Does the Rasgulla Really Belong To?