|  Kedarnath
is the most important Hindu shrine in Himalayas, and among the major Shiva temples,
of the country. Located at the source of the river Mandakini, Kedarnath is one
of the twelve Jyothirlingas, of Lord Shiva, and one of the Panch Kedars.
Mythology identifies the deity at Kedarnath temple, with the rump of a bull, a
form assumed by Lord Shiva, when eluding the Pandavas, who had come for repentance
for killing their kith and kin, in the great battle of Kurukshetra. When the Pandavas
followed him to the site, he dived into the ground leaving behind a hump on the
surface. This conical projection is worshipped as the idol in the shrine.
The remaining parts of the body are worshipped at four other sites-the arms
(Bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukh) at Rudranath, navel (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and
hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. These five shrines collectively are known as the Panch
Kedar.
It is believed that the temple of Kedarnath, was constructed
by the Pandavas. At the entrance of the temple, is the statue of Nandi, the divine
bull of Shiva. The wall inside the temple, is exquisitely carved with images,
and the temple houses a shiva lingam, which is worshipped by hordes of pilgrims.
The lingam, here, unlike its usual form, is pyramidal.
At the approach
of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried
down from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in
the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown
open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage.
Legends notwithstanding, the shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed,
and is surrounded by lofty, snow - covered mountains, and grassy meadows covering
the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which
can be sighted from great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with
its perpetual snows is, simply, an enthralling sight.
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|  Vasuki
Tal
Situated at an altitude of 14, 200 ft, and 6 kms away from
Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal is situated on the right side of the valley. The crystal
clear lake with stupendous scenic surroundings, offers a splendid view for the
nature buff.
Son Prayag
Located
at the confluence of the Mandakini and the Sone-Ganga, this quaint village is
known for its picturesque beauty.
Gaurikund
An ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Gauri or Parvati, the Gaurikund houses
the metallic idols of Gauri and Shiva. According to legend, Parvati meditated
here for a long time, to win Shiva as her consort. Ultimately, she succeeded,
and the cosmic couple were wed at Trijuginarayan.
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Winter: October to March.