Architecture of Kedarnath Temple and its Route

Kedarnath:-
It is located at a distance of 223 km from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and close to the source of Mandakini river at a height of 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level. The township itself cannot be called attractive, as it is built on a barren stretch of land on the shores of Mandakini river but the surrounding scenery of Himalayan mountains makes it very attractive place for pilgrimage and trekking. Behind the town and Kedarnath temple, stands the majestic heights of Kedarnath peak 6,940 m (22,769 ft), Kedar Dome 6,831 m (22,411 ft) and other peaks of the range.

Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the
cosmic light. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificient temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt. it is a 14 km trek from gaurikund.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architecture Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut gray slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a "Garbha Griha" for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

Location:-
Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. Shiva is considered the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms.
The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow - covered mountains, and during summer grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling.



General Information:-

Area : 3 sq km. 
Season : May to October.
Rainfall : 1475 mm.
Clothing  
Summers : Light woollens.
Winters : Very heavy woollens.
Languages : Garhwali, Hindi and English.

Route Map Of Kedarnath:-

Accessibility:-
 The route to Kedarnath starts off at Rishikesh and heads in the same direction as to Badrinath, but branches off at Rudraprayag (where connections are available). The destination is Gaurikund, 14 kilometers from Kedarnath. The whole journey from Rishikesh takes around 12 hours by bus or jeep. Then, from Gaurikund, it's a grueling uphill trek to the temple. Expect it to take around six hours. The stunning scenery of the Mandakini River along the way helps though! Those who don't feel up to walking can opt to take a pony, which will reduce the duration of the trek by an hour. There are porters available to help carry luggage as well.



Air :-
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 239 km.

Rail :-
Nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 221 km.

Road :-
Kedarnath is approachable on foot, 14 km from Gaurikund, which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon hills.

Local Transport :- 
Horses, dandies and ponies are available at Gaurikund for going and carrying luggage to Kedarnath