Kedarnath Jyotirlinga - Temple, Story, Significance, and History
This Dham is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, located on the heights of the Himalayas. It is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga now not only has spiritual significance, but the region of the Jyotirlinga and the difficult adventure are also considered a take a look at of religion for the devotees. Devotees have to pass through difficult mountain paths to reach Kedarnath Dham. It shows the depth of their dedication and devotion.
11th Jyotirlinga - Kedarnath
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga comes in fifth place among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Kedarnath Dham is the best Dham in the world, where one can have darshan of twelve Jyotirlingas, and it is also a part of "рдЪрд╛рд░ рдзрд╛рдо" and "рдкрдВрдЪ рдХреЗрджрд╛рд░". This Jyotirlinga is situated on Kedar Mountain in the lap of the Himalayas in the Uttarakhand state of India. Being the Nath of Kedar Mountain, the name of Lord Shiva seated here is Kedarnath. The top-notch significance of this Jyotirlinga has been described in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. This temple opens for 6 months in a year (from May to October), the rest of the 6 months it remains covered with snow.
It is believed that during the 6 months when this temple remains closed, the gods and goddesses themselves worship the Jyotirlinga. The proof of this is found in such a way that when the doors of the temple are closed for 6 months, then a lamp is lit here, you will be surprised to know that this lamp keeps burning for 6 months till the doors open. According to the belief, the journey to Badrinath is not successful until one visits Kedarnath Dham. So in this article, we will know in detail the mythological stories related to Kedarnath Dham and the important things related to the templeтАж
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Story
There are many testimonies associated with the starting place of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. According to one of these stories, after the Mahabharata war ended, the Pandavas wanted to get rid of the sin of killing all the Kaurava brothers and other relatives. For this, they thought of doing a tough penance for Lord Shiva. For this, they set out towards the Himalayas in search of Lord Shiva. To test the Pandavas, Lord Shiva disappeared and went to Kedar Mountain. When the Pandavas reached Kedar Mountain in search of Shiva, seeing them, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull and joined the herd of animals.
When the Pandavas got tired of searching for Shiva, they made a plan to get the darshan of Lord Shiva. After which Bhima took a huge form and spread both his legs on both sides of Kedar Mountain. All the animals passed between Bhima's feet, but as soon as Lord Shiva, in the form of a bull, tried to get out from under the feet, Bhima recognized him.
Recognizing Lord Shiva, Bhima tried to catch the bull, but it started sinking into the earth, and Bhima held the bull's back tightly. Lord Bholenath was pleased with the devotion of the Pandavas and freed them from sins by giving them darshan. The Pandavas told Lord Shiva that you have freed us from sins, but to free the sins of those who commit sins in the future, please settle here. It is said that since then, Lord Shiva has been worshipped here in the form of the back of a bull.
Another belief is that the face of this bull has emerged in Nepal, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Pashupatinath.
There is another story related to the origin of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, according to which Mahatapasvi Nara and Narayan Rishi, the incarnations of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, used to do penance on the Kedar mountain of the Himalayas. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and, as per his prayer, granted him the boon to reside there forever in the form of Jyotirlinga. Since then, Lord Shiva has started residing there in the form of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Significance
The religious significance of Kedarnath is not only linked to mythology, but the purity and atmosphere here also make it special. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is called the door to salvation. Here, just by seeing Shiva, one gets freedom from all sins, and the devotees get salvation. Every year, lakhs of devotees come here with the wish of their salvation and express their devotion towards Lord Shiva.
According to the Shiva Purana, the journey to Kedarnath paves the way for liberation from all the sorrows of life and spiritual advancement. By visiting this Dham, the difficulties of life end, and the person gets the infinite grace of Lord Shiva. The worship done in Kedarnath is considered especially fruitful, due to which the devotees get freedom from worldly bonds and spiritual peace.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga History
Kedarnath temple is located at the highest altitude among the twelve Jyotirlingas of the country. Kedarnath Dham is located at an altitude of 3581 meters on the banks of the Mandakini (рдордВрджрд╛рдХрд┐рдиреА) River. Built by turning into a member of the boulders of stone, it is the most important Shiva temple in Uttarakhand. It is on the Garhwal Himalayan variety close to the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, India.
Kedarnath temple is in the Garhwal Himalayas variety near the Mandakini river. The Mandakini river flows near this temple, and the view of the snow-capped mountains is extremely spectacular. Seeing the calm atmosphere and spectacular view of the Kedarnath temple, people are attracted as if someone has mesmerized them.
This temple is built on a six-foot-high square platform. The central part of the temple is the mandap, and there is a circumambulatory path around the sanctum sanctorum. Nandi, in the form of a bull, is seated outside the courtyard. It is said that Adi Guru Shankaracharya established the temple.
Let us tell you that to reach the Kedarnath temple, one has to walk 15 kilometers from Gaurikund. If a person visits Badrinath Dham without visiting the Kedarnath temple. His journey becomes fruitless. This is said because Lord Shiva gave place to Lord Vishnu in Badrinath. Earlier, only Lord Shiva resided in Badrinath.
About Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple
This temple of Lord Shiva is 85 feet high, 187 feet long, and 80 feet wide. There is a pavilion in the main part of the temple, and there is a circumambulatory path around the sanctum sanctorum.
On the day of Kartik Purnima, the Shiva idol installed in the temple is taken to Ukhimath. Let us tell you that before reaching Kedarnath, there is a ritual of bathing in Gaurikund. There are Shivkund, Retkund, Hanskund, Udikund, etc. in Kedarnath. Bhairavnath Ji's temple is also very popular here. Every year after their worship, the doors of the temple are opened and closed. Bhairav Ji protects this temple when the doors of the temple are closed.
Kedarnath Puja Method
The Kedarnath Yatra is an important pilgrimage for Hindus. Every year, pilgrims traverse a challenging route to reach the temple and worship Lord Shiva. It is said that entry into the temple is only possible for a few months due to bad weather. Despite the challenges, devotees undertake the journey to seek Lord Shiva's blessings and pay their respects to the deity. It is a spiritual experience highly revered by Hindus, and the story of the Pandavas seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra War is an integral part of the temple's history. Devotees offer prayers, perform abhishekam, and attend daily aartis.
Conclusion
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is such a holy place where devotees come to get the blessings of Lord Shiva and improve their lives. This place is not only important from a religious point of view, but the natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere here also inspire devotees towards peace and salvation. The journey to Kedarnath is not only a religious journey, but it is a journey of devotion, faith, and self-restraint, which takes devotees closer to Lord Shiva. If you want to know about the Temple, Story, Significance, and History of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, then online astrology consultation.
