Kedarnath Temple, Hindu temple in Rudraprayag District, India.
Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu shrine in Rudraprayag district within the Garhwal Himalayan range, standing at 3583 meters (11755 feet) above sea level. The stone structure displays pyramidal architecture with a black lingam housed in the central sanctum, surrounded by massive granite blocks.
Philosopher Adi Shankara rebuilt the shrine during the 8th century after earlier structures had occupied the site for centuries before. Tradition connects the original foundation to the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata epic.
Thousands of pilgrims walk to this shrine each day during the season to offer prayers and leave offerings before the lingam inside. Many devotees wear traditional clothing and chant mantras as they approach the temple, creating an atmosphere of devotion and reverence.
The shrine remains accessible only between April and November as heavy winter snowfall closes the mountain region during colder months. Visitors should bring warm clothing and prepare for a several hour trek or helicopter ride to reach the site.
The shrine survived the destructive flood of 2013 that swept away large portions of the surrounding settlement and infrastructure. A massive boulder behind the structure diverted the water flow and protected the building from the main force of the natural disaster.
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