Char Dham Yatra 2023: Associated Legend And Tips For Travelling in Panch Kedar

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Uttarakhand is worshipped as Devbhoomi or Land of Gods with many associated legends, especially around the Panch Kedar. Located in Garhwal region of Himalayas, the Panch Kedar set of temples includes Tungnath, Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar.

Although the Panch Kedars together look like a huge slice from heavens, in terms of beauty and tranquility, it is not at all easy to reach these places due to the absence of straight roads that could have made the travel much easier. It takes 15-16 days to complete this journey of 170 km that begins from Rishikesh and leads to Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar in that order. .

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath is a picturesque locale that looks heavenly from all angles with its snow engulfed white peaks valleys that carpet the area with sylvan greenery, the thick jungles that are home to the flora and fauna. Kedarnath, the most prominent of all Panch Kedar temples, and a part of Char Dham, is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters above the sea level in the Rudraprayag. The lingam inside the Kedarnath looks like a hump in the cone shape. Kedarnath was rebuilt by Adi Shankara in the 8th-9th century AD. Upto Gaurikund you can travel in motor vehicle but beyond that , you have to trek the distance of 14 km. The cool heavenly views of the place help you forget the weariness of trekking. The temple opens in April last week and closes in November.

Legend Of Panch Kedar

The idea of Trekking up to the temple especially appeals to the youngsters. Panch Kedar is a temple complex that is dedicated to the puja of Lord Shiva. The legends of this place have a direct connection with events from Mahabharata.

The Panch Kedar temples include Kedar Nath, Tung Nath, Rudra Nath, Madhya Maheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Kedar Nath and Badrinath coupled with Yamunotri and Gangotri are categorised as Char Dham temples. Kedar Nath is the most prominent of the 12 jyotirlingas.

As per the legends, after the Mahabharata concluded, Pandavas came to Gupt kashi in search of Shiva to ask him for forgiveness as advised by Sage Vyasa, for having killed their own kith and kin in the gory war. Shiva was not to be appeased so easily and hence he turned into a bull. When Pandavas detected this, Lord Shiva tried to disappear from their sight. But Bhima, using all his strength, pulled the tail so hard that the bull tore into five pieces that got scattered in different directions.

After a while, Lord Shiva appeared in person, and was convinced about their intentions and forgave them. His limbs appeared in other four locations now. His hump was found at Kedarnath, his face at Rudranath, his arms at Tungnath, his Navel at Madhyamaheshwar, and his matted locks at kalpeshwar. The head of the bull dispersed to a far-off place and settled in Pashupati nath. Panch Kedar is where the sages and sadhus are still believed to be penancing.

Tips To Travel

Make sure you are absolutely fit and healthy before you even embark on this trip. Pack the essentials you need there as missing even one item on this list will lead to confusion and despair. Out of all Panch Kedar temples., it is Rudranath temple that is open 24/7 whereas the rest of them are open only for 6 months in a year. If you start your Panch Kedar journey in the mornings, you will be able to complete it by evening. It is a long arduous journey otherwise.