Kedarnath Temple, Uttaranchal

For more details please write a mail to meetjsh@gmail.com with subject line Badrinath, Uttranchal India and do let me know what other information you are looking for. I will try to reply ASAP and update in my website which will be helpful for others.  To the Kedarnath temple it is almost 19 km mild trek from the nearest road. It is my personal experience and advice to buy an oxygen cylinder which can be refunded at the same shop if not used. Especially for elder member of the family and patient of asthma should carry oxygen cylinders. Update - Shri Kedarnath Temple kapats has been opened on 28th April 2012 at 7:15 AM.  Kedarnath Temple (Dhama) in Uttranchal, India Kedarnath Temple (Dhama), one of the significant Hindu pilgrimage centers at foothills of Great Himalaya in Uttaranchal state of India. Kedarnath Dhama has an altitude of 3581m. It is the one of the most prominent Jyothirlinga among 12 Jyothirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is thousand years structure build by the formation of massive stones slabs on the rectangular platform. Adi Sankracharya is known as the builder of the present temple. Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it has named “Kedar” as per protector and destroyer Lord Shiva. Myth says that after killing their relatives in the battle of Kurushetra, Pandwas were totally shattered and wanted to seek forgiveness from Lord to killing their own people. They have followed Lord Shiva to mountains of Garhwal Himalayas. Lord Shiva disguised himself in the form of bull to hide from Pandwas. Pandwas became suspicious to seeing a bull in the hostile climate of Garhwal Himalayas and followed him. Lord Shiva dived into the ground but Bhima was able to grasp the tail of bull. It is said that the hump of bull has left behind in Kedarnath in Uttranchal, India and remaining parts of the body, arms (Bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (Much) at Rudranath, navel (Nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and hair (Jata) at Kalpeshwar worshipped at four other sites . These five shrines collectively are known as the Panch Kedar. General Info on Kedarnath Temple, Uttranchal, India Altitude -3581 m above sea level                            Area- 3 sq. Km. Climate- Max: 20°C, Min: below 0°C Winter- Snow bound Distance:  around 40 km from Badrinath, 220 km from Rishikesh Cloths- heavy woolen cloths Language- Hindi, English and Garhwali Place to visit : Kedarnath Temple, Samadhi of Adi Sankaracharya, Gauri Kund, Ghandi Sarover, Bhairav Nath temple, Vasuki Tal Nearby Tourist Destinations : Panch kedar, Pancha prayag, Panch Badari Valley of Flower, Gnagotri, Yamunotri, Joshimatha, Devprayaga ,Tehri Lake Etc. Best time to Visit-June to October. The temple remains open form May first week to November second week. How to reach Nearest Airport - Jolly Grant Nearest Railway Station- Rishikesh is very well connected with bus to other places of Uttranchal. Before Starting a Tour  - Warm cloths, monkey cap, gloves, glasses, comfortable shoes, torch, socks, camera, matchbox are very much required. Guys don’t forget Vaseline or any other cold crème, Lip guard etc. -  doctor facilities are available at the top in Kedarnath temple area it is always advisable to carry ”First Aid box”. Otherwise at least carry medicine for cold, fever cough, diarrhea and pain killer etc. -  Damas are located at high altitude of Himalayas. Dehydration and lack of oxygen can trouble pilgrim. To the Kedarnath temple it is almost 19 km mild trek from the nearest road. It is my personal experience and advice to buy an oxygen cylinder which can be refunded at the same shop if not used. Especially for elder member of the family and patient of asthma should carry oxygen cylinders. Oxyzen cylinder are also available at shops near Dhama. Its cheap around 300 to 350 rs. Please ask your guide or