Kedarnath

Kedarnath etymologically translates to ‘Lord of the Field.’ It is a dainty town in Uttarakhand and is an ancient pilgrimage site. It is popular for the Kedarnath Temple, and according to mythology, it was built by the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.

The temperature in Kedarnath varies from -2 to 28 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit this hill station is either from May – June or September – October. If you are a pilgrim going to the site of Kedarnath Temple, then avoid visiting the temple during winters (November – March). Due to the decrease in temperature and heavy snowfall, the temple stays shut during this period. Since monsoons (July – August) come with the hindrance of landslides, visits to Kedarnath are avoided during this time as well.

If you are visiting the Kedarnath temple, then you must visit the Bhairavnath Temple, located at a distance of 500 meters from there. The temple enshrines an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Lord Bhairav. Perched atop a hill, it offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges with mesmerizing beauty. Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, there are several other tourist attractions in Kedarnath. One such attraction is Vasuki Tal, a lake built at an altitude of 4135 meters. It requires a moderate to difficult trekking experience and is a haven for trekkers.

You must have heard of the Adwaita philosophy propounded by Sri Shankaracharya. Kedarnath has another historical shrine known as the Shankaracharya Samadhi. It is said that Sri Shankaracharya attained Nirvana at the age of 32 at this place. Sonprayag here is known to be the place where Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. It is also the confluence of the rivers Mandakini and Basuki. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and frosty trees, Sonprayag is a cultural-historical site of attraction. Do keep in mind that Kedarnath is mostly cold throughout the year, so pack warm clothes.