Kedarnath temple is a popular pilgrimage site visited by lakhs of people every year. Here is the complete story and history of Kedarnath.
Kedarnath History
Kedarnath is a town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Himalayan range and is known for its famous Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The history of Kedarnath dates back to ancient times and is steeped in mythology and legend.
According to Hindu mythology, Kedarnath is the place where Lord Shiva took up residence after being pleased with the penance of the Pandavas. It is believed that the Pandavas had come to Kedarnath to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in order to absolve themselves of the sins committed during the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva, impressed with their devotion and penance, appeared before them and granted them his blessings.
The origin of the Kedarnath Temple is also shrouded in myth and legend. According to one legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas themselves, while according to another legend, it was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The temple has undergone several renovations over the years and was most recently reconstructed after the devastating floods of 2013.
Kedarnath has also played an important role in the history of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The town was an important center of the Katyuri dynasty in the 8th century AD and was later ruled by the Gorkhas in the 18th century. In 1815, Kedarnath came under the control of the British, who established a post office and a bungalow there.
In recent times, Kedarnath has become a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. The Kedarnath Temple, with its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings, draws thousands of visitors every year.
The town is also a starting point for the famous Kedarnath trek, which takes visitors on a scenic journey through the Himalayan range.
Despite facing several natural calamities and challenges, Kedarnath has stood the test of time and remains an important center of spirituality and culture in India.
Who built the Kedarnath temple?
The construction of the Kedarnath Temple is attributed to different people in different legends and historical accounts. According to one legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas during the time of the Mahabharata epic. Another legend states that the temple was constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, a Hindu philosopher, in the 8th century AD.
Kedarnath temple was later renovated and restored by various rulers and devotees over the centuries, including the rulers of the Garhwal Kingdom, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.
The most recent reconstruction of the temple was carried out after the devastating floods of 2013. The temple is now managed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL), a state government agency.
How old is Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple is believed to be at least over a thousand years old, and possibly even older, making it one of the oldest and most revered temples in India.
The exact age of the Kedarnath Temple is not known with certainty, as it has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries. However, based on various historical and archaeological evidence, it is believed that the temple dates back to at least the 8th century AD.
