Kedarnath temple is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in India. The original origin of this temple is yet unknown but it is believed to be built at least 1200 years ago. It is part of the 12 Jyotirlingas and Panch Kedar Temple circuit and is located at an altitude of 3583 meters above sea level in the lap of the Himalayas, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks on the bank of the Mandakini River2013. In addition to the pilgrimage site, these factors make it an amazing holiday destination. Every year millions of pilgrims complete kedarnath yatra to seek the blessings of lord shiva and get rid of their sins. Some of the pilgrims visit on their own while most of them prefer to take the Kedarnath tour package. In general, the Kedarnath yatra package cost you around INR 8000 to 12000 per person from Haridwar and the Kedarnath yatra cost from Delhi is between INR 10000 to 15000. Kedarnath yatra price will greatly vary depending upon the services, places to be covered, company, etc. Due to its remarkable beauty, it is considered to be another heaven on earth. There is a famous saying about Kedarnath temple that there is only one difference between Kedarnath and heaven: in heaven gods stay and in Kedarnath, Mahadev (केदारनाथ और स्वर्ग में केवल एक ही अंतर है कि स्वर्ग में देव रहते हैं और केदारनाथ में महादेव रहते हैं). In addition to these factors, Kedarnath temple is also famous for some of the amazing factors we are going to point out here which will give you a goosebump. Read this article to know more about it.
1) 2013 Flood:- You must have heard about the 2013 flood at Kedarnath. It was one of the deadliest floods in the Kedarnath region in which lakhs of devotees and locals lost their lives and many others were badly injured. When all the buildings built by using modern technologies were getting devastated like a house of cards, this 1200-year-old temple stood bold and survived the flood with no damage at all. Miraculously one rock of the same size as the Kedarnath temple came rolling from the mountain and stood about 10-15 feet before the temple to divert the water flow in two streams saving Kedarnath temple. This is a very recent example when the almighty showed its presence in this area and boosted the loyalty of devotees of lord shiva toward Kedarnath temple.
2) 400 under the Glacier:- You must be aware of glaciers. It's a huge block of ice constantly moving and has so much power that it could even grind the mountains coming in its way. But you must wonder by knowing that geologists have confirmed that Kedarnath temple remained under the glacier during the mini ice age which was around 400 years long. Scratches due to the movement of glaciers can be seen on the wall of Kedarnath temple. It's no surprise that if a temple can survive the glacier, then the 2013 flood is nothing in front of that.
3) You must be thinking that there is nothing to be surprised by, it must be an architectural marvel and must be built strongly. It's an architectural marvel but do you know that no mortar or any joining element is used in its construction? Only interlocking technology is being used to connect one rock to another. It's really hard to imagine how someone 1200 years ago could think anything like this. Whoever had designed this temple must be an architect genius.
4) Another interesting fact about Kedarnath temple is that the rocks found in the mountains surrounding Kedarnath temple are very loose but the rocks used in this temple is hard and solid. So it could easily be concluded that rocks used in this temple are brought somewhere far away because it is not even available anywhere in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. So the question is how is this possible to carry these big rocks from a far distance without the use of modern technology? This is something which is a matter of doubt for many archeologists.
5) Have you ever heard about the Retas Kund? If not, then do visit this kund whenever you visit Kedarnath temple and try to solve its functioning with your analytical and scientific theories. This kund has a specialty that whenever you chant "OOM" or "Har har Mahadev" a series of bubbles will come out on the surface of the water but this will not happen when you tell anything other than this. This amazing pond is located at a distance of 400 meters from the temple so don't forget to try this and take some water from this kund to your home. It is considered to be very auspicious.
6) There are many mythological stories around Kedarnath temple and about Shiva's presence but if you don't want to believe in any of these mythological stories then I will suggest something that will make you believe in lord shiva's presence in this region. If you have time please attend the closing ceremony at the temple. Before closing the doors of temple premised of temple are being cleaned properly and a lamp (Dia) is being lighted in front of lord Kedar and then the doors of the temple are being closed. Then attend the opening ceremony of Kedarnath temple. You will find the temple in the same state as it was on the day of closing with lamps lighting the premises. It's a matter of wonder how a can temple remain clean for six months when no one is allowed to enter this area for six months and how a small lamp can light the temple for six months without refilling the fuel.
Conclusion:-
Kedarnath is one of the most auspicious places and the presence of lord shiva was felt in this area multiple times. Many other mythological stories about Kedarnath make it interesting but the matter of fact is that the divine power of Kedarnath temple is not something that can be heard and expressed in words. It's a feeling which can be felt by your presence so plan your trip to Kedarnath temple and experience the divine power on your own and seek the blessings of lord shiva.
