The Story of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (केदारनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग)

The name "Nara-Narayana" can be broken into two terms, Nara and Narayana. “Nara” means human, while “Narayana” refers to the name of the supreme deity Lord 'Vishnu'. They are considered as the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu by some devotees. They were twin sage brothers born to “Dharma Dev(धर्म देव)” and his wife Murti, is the daughter of king Daksha.

Daksha have four sons were born to them such as Krishna, Hari, Nara and Narayana. While, Hari and Krishna engaged themselves in the practice of Yoga. But Nara and Narayana went to the Himalaya Mountain and started doing penance for the welfare of humans. There was a demon called “Sahastra Kavach(सहस्त्र कवच राक्षस)”, a fierce demon and have thousands of armours they fight the demon and defeated him in the war.

Nara and Narayana, later reincarnated as Arjuna and Sri Krishna on the earth. Believed that, that demon “Sahastra Kavach” was reborn as Karna. The whole story of Nara-Narayana defeating the demon can be found here on the legend of Krishna as Nara and Narayana.

Nara-Narayana is depicted jointly or separately in images. When depicted separately, Nara is portrayed with two hands and wearing deer skin while Narayana is shown on the right in the usual form of Vishnu.

The Temple Re-Built by Shankaracharya

The present temple of Kedarnath was built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 8th-9th century. This temple is one of the four Dhams of Uttarakhand. The temple is at an altitude of about 3,583 meters above sea level. The temple is in the Himalayan region, hence remains closed during winter season. As per our ancient history, Kedarnath temple was built by Pandava king “Janamejaya(राजा जनमेजय)”. Later Adi Guru Shankaracharya renovated the temple once again.

Kedarnath is the Fifth Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath is the fifth Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is in Uttarakhand. This temple is also included in the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. The history of this abode of Lord Shiva is related to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Nar-Narayan, Pandavas and Adi Guru Shankaracharya(आदि गुरु शंकराचार्य ). Nara-Narayana both are twin brothers of sage, who are considered to be partial incarnations of the custodial deity of Vishnu.

This temple is in the ice regions area of Uttarakhand in the Himalayan region. During winter the temple is covered with ice. Which is not possible here and also lack of oxygen here, due to this it remains closed for about 6 months and is opened for devotees during summer season. It is said that Nar-Narayan was the son of a sage and a twin brother. Pleased with the penance of both the sages, Lord Bholenath appeared here.

Believed that, Nar-Narayan asked for a boon that Lord Shiva should always stay here, so that other devotees can also have the darshan of Lord Shiva easily. Hearing this, Lord Shiva said that from now on he will stay here and this area will be famous by the name of Kedar area.

The Pandavas, during the time of Mahabharata i.e. in the Dwapar Era(द्वापर युग), in the Kedarnath area, Lord Shiva had appeared to the Pandavas in the form of a vine. It is believed that this self-proclaimed Shivalinga is established in Kedarnath Dham.

How you can Reach Kedarnath

By Road Only

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is in “Rudra Prayag” district of Uttarakhand. To reach Kedarnath, you can reach from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun.

From these cities you can come by bus or taxi. Many modes of transport are easily available from across the country to reach Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun.

After reaching “Gauri Kund”, the person has to cover a distance of about 16 km on foot which is a tough part, or you can come by palanquin or with the help of horse.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Google Map

By Road

Kedarnath is in “Rudra Prayag” district of Uttarakhand. To reach Kedarnath, you can reach from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun.

From these cities you can come by bus or taxi. Many modes of transport are easily available from across the country to reach Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun.

After reaching “Gauri Kund”, the person has to cover a distance of about 16 km on foot which is a tough part, or you can come by palanquin or with the help of horse.

By Train

The nearest railway stations to Kedarnath are at Rishikesh is 215 kms, Haridwar 241 kms.

By Air

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, located around 238 kms away.