Baba Bhole always showers his blessings on his devotees. Getting pleased with the meditation of Indra, Lord Bhole Nath appeared in the form of Somnath Jyotirling and is a great symbol of his devotion. In the same way, on getting pleased with with the devotion of Nar-Narayan, Lord Bholenath appeared near Mandakini river in the Himalayan range of Uttarakhand in the form of Kedarnath Jyotirling.

This temple is situated on way to  Badrinath. Kedarnath is situated on a height of 3584 metres from sea level. The description of Kedarnath Temple may also be found in Skand Puran and Shiv Puran. This is one of the most favourite places of Lord Shiva. Its importance is equal to that of kailash Parvat.

Kedarnath Mahadev Story

There are many stories famous about Kedarnath Mahadev. According to Skand Puran, once when Parvati asked Lord Shiva about Kedarnath then he replied that he likes this place the most and always resides here with his attendants. He resid here since the period when he appeared in the form of Brahma to create this universe.

In Skand Puran there is also a description that there was a hunter who liked eating Deer very much. Once, in search of a prey he went to Kedarnath but even after roaming around for whole day, he did not got any. In the evning, Sage Narad came to this place. Watching from a long distance, he thought him to be a Deer and got ready to shoot arrow at him.

But, till the time he would have shooted arrow at him, the Sun set completely. He then saw that a snake is swallowing a frog, which after dying changed into the form of Lord Shiva. Further, the hunter saw that a Lion is killing a Deer and after dying it is going to Shivlok with the attendants of Lord Shiva. Looking at this amazing sight, the hunter became surprised. At the same time Sage Narad appeared in-front of the hunter in guise of a Brahman.

The hunter then asked sage Narad about the amazing sight that he viewed. Narad explained him that this is the most auspicious place; dying at this place brings salvation even to the animals and the birds. After this the hunter got reminded of all the sins that he did by killing the birds and the animals. The hunter then asked sage Narad about the way to get rid of his sins. Narad then told him about Lord Shiva. After knowing about him, the hunter started living in Kedarnath and got engrossed in his meditation. After death, the hunter got a place in Shivlok.

Kedarnath Jyotirling Story

In Shiv-Puran there is a mention that two brothers, Nar and Narayan, made idol of Lord Shiva and used to worship him with great devotion. This pleased Lord Shiva and he appeared in-front of them. He asked them to seek any blessing that they want. Nar and narayan asked him to stay at this place for ever for the benefit of the society. On this prayer, Lord Shiva appeared in Kedarnath in the form of Jyotirling.

Pandavas Story Related to Kedarnath

In Shiv Puran it is mentioned that after Mahabharat, the Pandavas were regretting that their own siblings were killed by them and they wanted to free themselves of this sin. They aked for its remedy to Ved Vyas. He told them that this sin can be removed only when Lord Shiva frees you from this. Lord Shiva was unhappy with the Pandavas so when the Pandavas went to visit him in Kashi, Lord Shiva did not appeared infront of them. The Pandavas then went to Kedarnath in search of him.

Seeing the Pandavas coming, Lord Shiva changed himself in form of a Buffalo and joined a group of them. To identify Shiva, Bhim spread his legs and stood near the entrance of the cave. All thje buffalos passed from below the legs of Bhim but Lord Shiva, in guise of a Buffalo refused to go from their and the Pandavas immediately recognised him.

Then Shiv tried to hide in the earth but Bhim caught the back of Lord Shiva, in form of a Buffalo. Shiv then became happy with the devotion and will of the Pandavas and freed them of all the sins. On this place even today Draupadi is worshipped aong with all the five Pandavas.The tradition of worshipping Lord Shiva in form of the back of a Buffalo is also continued since then.

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarbnath temple ws built by the Pandavas but that that temple was destroyed. Threre is a belief that the present temple was built by Asdi Guru Shankaracharya in 8th century. This temple is built in Katyuri style. The te,mple is built on a 6 feet high rectangular terrace. A Pradakshina path is made on all the four sides of Mandap and the Garbhagriha from where the devotees perform pradakshina.

A pointed stone in the Garbhgriha of the temple is worshipped in the form of Lord Shiva. The devotees offer Jal(water) and flowers to Shiva. From the second side, Ghee is offered and then the devotees wrap him and worship him. The gate of the temple gets opened at 7 in the morning for the devotees. A special Puja is done from one to 2 in the noon and then the temple gate is closed.  The gate is again reopened at 5 in the evening then Lord Shiva is decorated and the Aarti is performed at around 7.30. After this the temple gate is closed till morning. There are many Kund near the temple.

Importance of Kedarnath Dham

The importance of Kedarnath is proved from the instance that a hunter who killed many animals worshipped Lord Shiva which freed him of all he sins of killing animals and achieved Shivlok after death. The sins that the Pandavas did by killing their own siblings and family members was also removed at this place. It is said that the person who visits Badrinath without visiting Kedarnath does not get the blessings of the pilgrim. Drinking the water that has been offered at Kedarnath removes the sins of many births and the person attains salvation. Visiting Kedarnath also frees the ancestors of their sins and they attain salvation.

Visiting Kedarnath

Kedarnath may be visited from April mid to November mid as the gate of Baba Kedarnath temple is closed from mid November to mid April. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit Kedarnath to worship. There is a Gauri Kund on way to Kedarnath which is believed to be the birth place of Lord Ganesh. There are many ways to visit this place from Haridwar and Rishikesh. There is a severe slope after Gauri Kund from where the pilgrims have to go on foot. The person unable to travel on foot can go on Palaki or horse and reach Kedarnath.

To know about your career in next 12 months click on this link : Career in 12 months