Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of India’s most sacred sites. While you must visit Uttarakhand for its calming ambiance, a trip to Kedarnath will transport you into a dreamy and serene trance, one that you wouldn’t want to come out of. Pristine snow-capped mountains, steep terrains, and the added spiritual vibe make it the perfect destination for both adventure and pilgrimage. A trip here to Uttarakhand is incomplete and almost in vain if you don’t visit the Kedarnath Temple. While Kedarnath is primarily known for this divine voyage, there are plenty of other temples with engaging legends and an energy so intense that it’ll evoke something in you. Let’s explore these magical temples in and around Kedarnath.
8 Temples To Visit In And Around Kedarnath
- Kedarnath Temple
- Tungnath Temple
- Rudranath Temple
- Kalpeshwar Temple
- Shri Bhairavnath Temple
- Gaurikund Temple
- Triyuginarayan Temple
- Shree Badrinath Temple
1. Kedarnath Temple
You can’t talk of Kedarnath and not talk of the Kedarnath Temple. It’s one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the only one that’s in the Himalayan ranges. Care for a little trivia? This temple holds a trinity of importance among Hindus. One, that it has a jyotirlinga, second that it’s the third destination in the Char Dham Yatra, and lastly, it also constitutes the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
The temple you see there today was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya but it was originally built by the Pandava brothers after the war of Mahabharata. The trek here is challenging with harsh climate and rugged terrains but it only adds to the adventure. And to say the least, every step will be worth it when you finally reach it. Against the backdrop of snow-covered Himalayas and surrounded by green valleys is this quiet temple where the loudest chant is Har Har Mahadev.
Although you’ll be covered in layers of clothes, dress modestly when you visit here. Remember, photography is forbidden here so don’t get yourself in unnecessary trouble. You can, however, click photos of the landscapes and the temple from outside. The temple is open only for a few months before the snow sets in so keep your travel plans in check.
2. Tungnath Temple
Standing at a height of 3,680 meters, the Tungnath Temple is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and the highest in India. That already means the trek to this point is an exciting one. But the package includes challenges like unpredictable climate and a steep climb too, so be prepared. This temple is also one of the points in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage.
As per legend, the foundation of this temple was laid by Arjuna, the third Pandava brother. There’s also another tale from the Ramayana associated with this temple, that Lord Rama meditated in the temple to free himself from the curse of Brahmahatya for killing Ravana. There are several smaller shrines dedicated to different gods that surround this temple.
The Tungnath Temple trek starts in Chopta village in Uttarakhand. It’s a 3.5 km uphill trek that’s covered in about 2-3 hours because of the tough terrain and this time easily doubles during winters because of the snow. Like the Kedarnath Temple, Tungnath Temple also remains shut during the winter months that typically begin after Diwali so ensure you’re visiting in time and can catch a glimpse of the Lord.
3. Rudranath Temple
Nestled in Chamoli, Uttarakhand is the third Panch Kedar, Rudranath Temple. Perched at 2,300 meters and covered in thick alpine forests, it’s the toughest temple to reach out of all the Kedars because of its arduous 21 km-long trek. Like all the Panch Kedars, this one too is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshiped in the form of Neelkantha Mahadev.
The trek to this temple is a challenging but a much rewarding one. Your trek on the plains will begin from the Sagar Village, following which you’ll reach Pun Bagyal. From here it’s an uphill climb through dense forests and gushing streams until you reach Litti Bugyal. Your next stop from here is Panar where you can rest for the night. The next morning, gather your courage and body and resume your trek to Pitradhar followed by Naola Pass. It’s 4 km from here that you’ll finally be able to see the holy and quaint Rudranath Temple resting in the clouds.
4. Kalpeshwar Temple
This is the fifth spot on the Panch Kedar pilgrimage. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple houses a rock on which the natural locks of the Lord’s hair are carved. Pilgrims from across India come here to worship the matted locks called jata and a Shiva idol that’s carved on stone. The idol is at a short distance of 300 meters from the jata, so just keep walking and you’ll reach the Lord. You can visit here at any time throughout the year as this temple is the only one of all the Kedars that remains open.
Reaching Kalpeshwar is relatively easy – there’s a 1-km trek from Urgam to the temple. But if you’re all about treks and gorgeous landscapes, you can embark on a 10-km trek from Helang to Kalpeshwar Temple.
5. Shri Bhairavnath Temple
Located close to the Kedarnath Temple is the Bhairavnath Temple. The deity here is also known as Kshetrapal or guardian and is represented by a trident as his weapon and a dog as his vehicle. According to popular legend, when the Kedarnath Temple closes in winter due to heavy snowfall, it’s Kshetrapal who protects Lord Shiva from the cold and guards the temple along with the entire Kedarnath Valley.
You can click photos here so make sure you capture the serene Kedarnath Valley and surrounding views. While there isn’t a major trek to this temple, the steps to reach the temple are pretty steep, so it’s recommended you avoid going here with the elderly.
But, the Shri Bhairavnath Temple is also one of the few temples that allow dogs and pets inside. As long as you take care of the temple’s cleanliness, you can bring your fur baby here!
6. Gaurikund Temple
Standing the test of time, this temple has witnessed the passionate penance and union of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati who was also called Gauri. This temple is dedicated to her and the nearby Gaurikund or the hot water spring is the highlight here. Located on the banks of the Mandakini River, devotees heading to Kedarnath visit here and take a dip in the holy hot water spring that’s considered to cleanse them of their sins and improve their health. After this, they offer prayers to Goddess Parvati first and begin their trek to Kedarnath from this point. It’s also believed that if you wish for something at the Kedarnath shrine, it’s more likely to be fulfilled if you’ve taken a dip in the pond.
This temple is surrounded by hills in all directions that’ll give you the chance to perfectly capture the panoramas. It’s a small temple with minimal aesthetic value but larger than life history and immense positivity. To reach here, simply ask a taxi to drive you to the Gaurikund.
7. Triyuginarayan Temple
You must visit this temple after the Gaurikund to know part two of the Shiva-Parvati union. After proclaiming their love for each other at Gaurikund, Shiva and Parvati got married here and this union was witnessed by none other than Lord Vishnu himself. Triyuginarayan, when simplified, is three distinct words– tri meaning three, yugi meaning the age of time, and Narayan referring to Lord Vishnu.
The name is associated with a mysterious fire that has continued to burn for three yugas. You may now recollect this temple by the name of Akhand Dhuni Temple because the fire constantly burns. Even today when pilgrims visit, they add wood to the fire and collect the holy ash. Here, you get the rare chance to worship Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Goddess Parvati along with other deities in a single place.
You can reach her quickly by using any local means of transport as it’s very close to Sonprayag. But, if you seek some adventure, there are different trekking routes you can take that’ll get you a good workout. One of them is a 5-km trek via Sonprayag on the Guttur-Kedarnath path where you’ll cross some dense forests. Another is a 7-day trek from Mussoorie where you’ll traverse through Tehri, Mala, Belak, Budakedar-Ghuttu-Panwali Kanta, and Triyuginarayan. The final destination on this route is Kedarnath but you can stop at Triyuginarayan.
8. Shree Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple or Badrinarayan Temple, located in the small town of Badrinath, is the last leg of the Char Dham Yatra. This Lord Vishnu temple is riddled with several legends with each of the stories only strengthening your faith. You’ll feel an uncanny peace here which is a blend of divinity and serenity of the Himalayas.
Pristine snow-clad mountains and the graceful Alaknanda River constitute some of the best vistas you’ll find. Besides the main Vishnu Temple, you can visit some other places like the Tapt Kund (hot water spring), Neelkanth Peak, Mata Murti Mandir, Charan Paduka Caves, and the Vasudhara Falls. Inaccessible during winter, you must go to this temple during summer for a soulful retreat. There’s a short but fun trek of 3 km to Badrinath from the Mana village that you can embark upon.
Summing Up
Nothing beats the calm you feel at a shrine. With many temples surrounding the heavenly town, it only makes sense to go here for your next peace retreat. In winter, most temples are closed, so plan your trip well beforehand.
FAQs
What Is The Most Famous Thing In Kedarnath?
Kedarnath Temple, which has a jyotirling, is the most famous in Kedarnath. This is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Can We Touch Kedarnath Shivling?
Yes, you can touch the Shiva Linga in Kedarnath and even perform a ghee abhishek but before 3 pm. Also, you can’t touch the Shiva Linga after 5 pm.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Kedarnath?
Between April and June is the best time to visit Kedarnath as the temperature is pleasant and there are no rains.
Which Month Is Less Crowded To Visit Kedarnath?
If you want to avoid crowds when visiting Kedarnath, you must visit between September and October.
