Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, India Kedarnath Temple, a major Shiva shrine and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage of Uttarakhand. (more) Kedarnath Temple Hindu temple, Uttarakhand, India Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kedarnath-Temple Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: Shri Kedarnath Dham Written by Anoushka Pant Anoushka Pant holds a degree in elementary education, with a focus on mathematics, education, and psychology, from Miranda House, University of Delhi. Anoushka Pant Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Also called: Shri Kedarnath Dham (Show more) { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " Who is the Kedarnath Temple dedicated to? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " Why is Kedarnath Temple important in Hindu tradition and pilgrimage? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Kedarnath Temple holds significance in Hindu mythology. According to the Shiva Purana (a sacred Hindu text), the Pandava princes sought out Shiva to atone for their sins after the Kurukshetra war and, as tradition holds, built the shrine to honor him. The temple is also associated with Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century ce Advaita Vedanta philosopher, who is credited in local accounts with restoring it and integrating it into a Shaiva pilgrimage network." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What is unique about the architecture of Kedarnath Temple? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The temple is constructed from gray stone slabs, using an interlocking design without mortar, secured by iron clamps, and oriented north-south." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " How can visitors reach Kedarnath Temple? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Visitors can reach Kedarnath by trekking 10 miles (16 km) from Gaurikund. Helicopter services are also available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sitapur in Rudraprayag district." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What natural disaster did Kedarnath Temple survive in 2013? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Kedarnath Temple survived the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, remaining intact as surrounding structures were destroyed, likely because it was shielded by a boulder called Bhim Shila, which acted as a natural barrier." } } ] } Top Questions Who is the Kedarnath Temple dedicated to? The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Why is Kedarnath Temple important in Hindu tradition and pilgrimage? Kedarnath Temple holds significance in Hindu mythology. According to the Shiva Purana (a sacred Hindu text), the Pandava princes sought out Shiva to atone for their sins after the Kurukshetra war and, as tradition holds, built the shrine to honor him. The temple is also associated with Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century ce Advaita Vedanta philosopher, who is credited in local accounts with restoring it and integrating it into a Shaiva pilgrimage network.
What is unique about the architecture of Kedarnath Temple? The temple is constructed from gray stone slabs, using an interlocking design without mortar, secured by iron clamps, and oriented north-south.
How can visitors reach Kedarnath Temple? Visitors can reach Kedarnath by trekking 10 miles (16 km) from Gaurikund. Helicopter services are also available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sitapur in Rudraprayag district.
What natural disaster did Kedarnath Temple survive in 2013? Kedarnath Temple survived the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, remaining intact as surrounding structures were destroyed, likely because it was shielded by a boulder called Bhim Shila, which acted as a natural barrier.
Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, IndiaKedarnath Temple, a major Shiva shrine and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage of Uttarakhand.© Aarush/stock.adobe.com Kedarnath Temple, Hindu temple in India dedicated to the god Shiva and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (sacred shrines of Shiva). Among the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, Kedarnath is traditionally associated with Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher and theologian who is believed to have revived the temple and established its status as a major tirtha (sacred site). Located in the mountain ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand state, the temple stands at an elevation of about 11,750 feet ...(100 of 1065 words)
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