1. KEDARNATH TEMPLE
UTTARAKHAND BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KEDARNATH TEMPLE Kedarnath Temple is the most revered Hindu shrines that lies in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one among the twelve Jyotirlingas, which is said to be the most sacred representation of the deity. The temple is about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) altitude and accessible only in the summer months of late April to November as during winter time the snowfall is heavy.
The architectural beauty of the temple is stunning, particularly in its black stone structure and sculpted carvings. Inside the principal shrine is an immense Shiva lingam, conical in form and self-manifested. Devotees who come from every corner of the country ascend to Kedarnath via difficult conditions to pay their respects. A spiritual sojourn to the temple itself is transferred by visitors who negotiate breathtaking landscapes filled with snow-clad mountains, verdant valleys, and balmy rivers on their visit to the temple.
2. BHAIRAVNATH TEMPLE
UTTARAKHAND BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KEDARNATH TEMPLE Bhairavnath Temple: Dedicated in the heart of serene landscapes of Uttarakhand, India, is an ancient temple of the Indian religion and dedicated to Lord Bhairav who is a terrible form of Lord Shiva. Placed next to the great Kedarnath Temple, it holds precious spiritual values for all the devotees and travelers visiting here.
This temple stands at an altitude of about 3,600 meters, offering breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys. Its structure is typical in Hindu temple designs, with fine stone carvings and a distinct form of Bhairav, a black stone deity. Bhairav is always depicted as fierce, symbolizing power and protecting his devotees from all forms of negative energies and evil forces.
3. CHOTA CHAR DHAM
UTTARAKHAND BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KEDARNATH TEMPLE Char Dham Yatra is considered the most sacred pilgrimage in India, covering four holy places – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Located in a colossal Himalayan range, these four places possess considerable religious importance but bring out natural beauty of the most spectacular kinds. While each destination is characterized by its own unique characteristics, both pilgrims and tourism eager for enlightenment as well as relief stay at such sites.
4. KEDARNATH GUPTKASHI
UTTARAKHAND BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KEDARNATH TEMPLE From Kedarnath to Guptkashi, the journey is a transcendental experience in itself as it becomes a form of spiritual odyssey which throngs travelers in the breathtaking sceneries and cultural traditions of the Himalayas. There at an altitude of 3,583 metres, lies one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees take the strenuous walk to the holy abode, hoping for some respite and peace.
Having made all the puja at Kedarnath temple, most devotees return to Guptkashi. It is a very important religious town. The journey back is equally beautiful with majestic mountains, verdant valleys and gurgling streams well characterizing this serene region. The trek is not only rewarding but also introspective, giving travelers a moment for reflection on spiritual experiences in these magnificent settings of nature’s splendour.
5. KEDARNATH GAURIKUN
UTTARAKHAND BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KEDARNATH TEMPLE This trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund follows pilgrims’ routes that are rich in spirituality and natural beauty. Kedarnath is at 3,583 meters above sea level and one of the most respected temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit here in the hope of gaining blessings and solace in the heavenly abode of the Kedarnath temple amidst towering Himalayan peaks.
Many pilgrims, after worship in Kedarnath Temple, take their way down to Gaurikund, considered as a base for the trekkers to Kedarnath. Gaurikund is at a height of 1,982 meters above sea level and is named after Goddess Gauri, who is believed to be the consort of Lord Shiva. The town holds historical and mythological significance, for it narrates the legend of the Pandavas quest to salvation.