Location :-
Giriraj is situated on the top of the Himalayas called
Kedar, the highest Kedareswara Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas of the
country. Kedarnath Dham and temple are surrounded by mountains on three sides.
On one side there is about 22 thousand feet high Kedarnath, on the other side
is 21 thousand 600 feet high Bhartkund and on the third side is 22 thousand 700
feet high Bharatkund.
Not only three mountains but also a confluence of five
rivers is here - Mandakini, Madhuganga, Kshirganga, Saraswati and Swarnagouri.
Some of these rivers no longer exist, but Mandakini, a tributary of Alaknanda,
is still present today. Kedareshwar Dham is on its banks. There is heavy snow
in winter and tremendous water in rain.
About Kedarnath Temple:-
It is the largest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand, built by
connecting huge rock cut stones. These rocks are brown in color. The temple is
built on a platform about 6 feet high. Its sanctum sanctorum is relatively
ancient, believed to be around the 80th century.In the sanctum sanctorum
of the temple, Ardha has four strong stone pillars at the four corners, through
which the pradakshina passes through. Ardha, which is square, is polished from
the inside and is relatively new. The sabhamandapa is huge and magnificent. Its
roof rests on four huge stone pillars. The huge roof is made of a single stone.
There are eight male proof sculptures in the obsolescence, which are extremely
artistic.
Kedarnath Temple is 85 feet high, 187 feet long and 80 feet
wide. Its walls are 12 feet thick and made of extremely strong stones. The
temple stands on a 6-foot-high platform. It is a wonder how the temple would
have been carved by bringing such heavy stones at such a height. Especially how
this giant roof was placed on the pillars. Interlocking techniques have been
used to connect stones to each other. It is this strength and technology that
has managed to keep the temple standing in the middle of the river.
ALSO READ :- BADRINATH DHAM STORY BEHIND IT
ALSO READ :- BADRINATH DHAM STORY BEHIND IT
Construction history of the temple:
According to the Puranic
story, on the Kedar Shringa of the Himalayas, the great sage Mahatapasvi and
incarnation of Lord Vishnu used to do penance. Pleased with his worship, Lord
Shankar appeared and according to his request provided the bride to live
forever as a Jyotirlinga. This place is located on the Kedarnath mountain Raja
called Kedar in the Himalayas.
This temple was first built by the Pandavas behind the
existing temple, but due to the beating of time, this temple disappeared. Later
in the 8th century, Adishankaracharya built a new temple, which was buried in
snow for 400 years.
According to Rahul Sankrityayan, this temple dates back to
12-13th century. Historian Dr. Shiva Prasad Dabral believes that Shaivites have
been going to Kedarnath before Adi Shankaracharya, even then this temple was
present. It is believed that the pilgrimage to Kedarnath has been going on for
a thousand years. It is said that the ancient temple of Kedareshwar Jyotirlinga
was built by the Pandavas. Later it was renovated by Janmejaya, grandson of
Abhimanyu.
Time to open the doors(kapaat) of the temple:
The temple gates are
closed during the winter season on the second day (Padwa) of Deepavali
Mahaparva. The lamp keeps on burning for 6 months. The priests close the honor
boards and take the Deity and punishment of God to Ukhimath under the mountain
for 6 months. After 6 months, the doors of Kedarnath open in May, then the journey
to Uttarakhand begins.
No one lives in and around the temple for 6 months, but for
the 6 months of wonder, the lamp also keeps on burning and there is constant
worship. After the opening of the valve, it is also a matter of surprise that
the same cleanliness is found as they left.
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