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One
of the twelve Joytilingas, Kedarnath
temple is situated at a height of 3583 mtrs
surrounded by lofty snow laden
peaks and large glacier in
the backdrop which is the source
of Mandakini river and its tributaries. It is believed that
Pandavas after killing their kith and
kin in the battle
Mahabharata followed Shiva in order to be blessed and absolved
them from sin. But unwilling Shiva fled to
Uttrakhand and lived incognito at
Guptakashi . On being traced at
Guptakashi by the Pandavas, Shiva took
shape of a Bull but Bhima recognized
him and bend down to catch him. Shiva
dived into the earth
and his back portion
(the hump) remained in the hands of
Bhima. Pleased
with determination of
Pandavas, Shiva exonerated
them from the sin.
It
is also said that Shiva’s head
appeared at Pashupatinath temple
at Kathmandu and other parts ( arms,
face,naval and hair) appeared at Tungnath, Rudranath, Madmaheshwar
and Kalpeshwar respectively. Last
four with Kedarnath are called Panch Kedar (5 Keadrs).
Rudrapryag on the confluence
of Alaknanada and Mandakini rivers is the base point to reach Kedarnath.
Rudraprayag can be approached from Rishikesh as well as from
kotdwara and Kathgodam. Badrinath and
Kedarnath routes
bifurcate at Rudraprayag. Route
along with Mandakini river leads to Kedarnath.
The road passes through splendid view
of mountains and singing Mandakini to
Tilwara and further to Augustmuni. Road coming
from Tehri via Chirvata meets at Tilwara. Gupta Kashi is
a place where Lord Shiva hidden himself from Pandavas. |
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Trekkers may take a trip to
Kali Math and Madmaheshwara. Chandra Shekher Mahadev (dedicated to Lord
Vishvanath of Kashi) and Ardhnarishwar temple of Guptkashi are worth
visiting . Motor able road is available upto Gauri
Kund and a 14 Km trek climbing up and soon along with
Mandakani river passes through green forests and lush valley
dotted with small temples. Gauri Kund is base camp and one should leave
extra items here to start the exotic on foot yatra to Kedar Nath. 7 Km
ahead from Gauri Kund , Rambara is another stop over with facilities
for night halt. Every forward step unfolds
the mysteries of nature in full of
its manifestations and a refreshing experience.
The route continues through lush green
hills and panoramic view of
lofty bright mountains.
Nala, Narainkoti, Phata, Rampur and Sonpryag are other important places
and temples en route. Adi Guru
Shankaracharya left for his heavenly abode while in meditation at the age
of 33 at Kedarnath and a small temple is dedicated to him near the main
temple. |
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Travelogue
