Top 10 Spiritual Sites In Kedarnath

1. Kedarnath

Hindu temple in Uttarakhand

Kedarnath is a town and Nagar Panchayat in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, known primarily for the Kedarnath Temple. It is approximately 86 kilometres from Rudraprayag, the district headquarter. Kedarnath is the most remote of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites.It is located in the Himalayas, about 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level near the Chorabari Glacier, which is the source of the Mandakini river. The town is flanked by snow-capped peaks, most prominently the Kedarnath Mountain. The nearest road head is at Gaurikund about 16 km away. The town suffered extensive destruction during June 2013 from the Flash Floods caused by torrential rains in Uttarakhand state.

2. Sonprayag

Village in Uttarakhand :

Sonprayag is a village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state in India. Approximately 73 Kilometres from Rudraprayag Town, the district headquarter.Sonprayag, translating to ‘Golden Confluence,’ is aptly named for its spiritual importance. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the confluence of Basuki and Mandakini rivers at Sonprayag cleanses the soul of sins, purifying the devotee before their onward journey to the sacred shrines.

3. Vasuki Tal

Lake in Uttarakhand

Vasuki Tal is a pristine lake that lies at a height of 4,135 m, a short distance from Kedarnath. It is nourished by water from the snow-clad mountains, and glaciers like the Vasuki Glacier and the Chor Bamak Glacier. Many icebergs float in the lake, and the waters reflect the Kedarnath peaks.Vasuki Tal or Vasuki Taal is a high glacial lake situated at an impressive altitude of 14,200 feet above sea level in Kedarnath Dham of Uttarakhand.

4.Triyuginarayan Temple

Hindu temple in Triugi Village, Uttarakhand

Triyuginarayan Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India. The ancient temple is dedicated to god Vishnu.Triyuginarayan Temple (Sanskrit: त्रियुगी-नारायण) is a Hindu temple located in the Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India.The ancient temple is dedicated to god Vishnu. Its fame is credited to the legend of god Shiva’s marriage to goddess Parvati witnessed by Vishnu at this venue and is thus a popular Hindu pilgrimage sites.[1][2] A special feature of this temple is a perpetual fire, that burns in front of the temple. The flame is believed to burn from the times of the divine marriage.[3] Thus, the temple is also known as Akhand Dhuni temple.”

5.Shri Bhairavnath Mandir

Hindu temple in Uttarakhand

Bhairavnath Temple or Bhairon Baba Mandir is situated south of the Kedarnath temple on the eastern hill of the lofty Himalayas of Uttarakhand.At a distance of 500 m from Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavnath Temple is situated on a hillock towards northern side of the Kedarnath Temple.

Bhairavnath Temple is one of the most popular temples in Kedarnath after Kedarnath temple. This temple is dedicated to God Bhairav, who is supposed to be the main gana of Shiva. The weapon of the Lord is Trishula and his vahan is a dog. The deity of the temple is also known as Kshetrapal or the guardian of the region. According to legend, when Kedarnath Temple closes during winter months due to heavy snow fall, the deity in Bhairavnath temple protects the main temple area as well as the whole Kedarnath valley.

The trek distance from Kedarnath temple to Bhairavnath Temple is 500 meters. The place offers the magnificent views of Kedarnath Temple and entire Kedarnath Valley.

6.Gaurikund Temple

Hindu temple in Gaurikund, Uttarakhand

The hot water spring of Gaurikund is one of the holiest sites for Hindus, who come to take a dip in it. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy water of the pond will make a person pure. Surrounded by panoramic views, Gaurikund also serves as the starting point of the famous Kedarnath temple trek.Gaurikund temple is a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri. According to myths and legends, this is the place where Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva did penance involving ascetic and yoga practices to win over Shiva’s heart. 

7.Rudra Meditation Cave

Meditation center in Uttarakhand

KEDARNATH Rudra Meditation Cave. Home; GMVN Info; KEDARNATH Rudra Meditation Cave. TRH. Hotel Alaknanda, Haridwar, Auli Ski Resort, GMVN Bhaironghati, Near ….Rudra Cave or Rudra Gufa was made popular by Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in 2019, when he meditated in the cave for a night. Just a kilometre away from the temple complex, there are underground meditation caves constructed by the Nehru Mountaineering Institute, as a part of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam’s (GMVN) guest house chain. These caves are open for visitors who wish to stay in the area to meditate. At present, there are three meditation caves, out of which, one made headlines back in 2019. 

8. Bheem Shila, Kedarnath

Hindu temple in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Bhim Shila is the rock that was carried down by the flood in 2013 and stopped just behind the Kedarnath Temple. This rock protected the temple.Bhim Shila, located in the holy town of Kedarnath, holds immense mythological significance. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that during their journey to heaven, the Pandavas stopped at Kedarnath and were confronted by Lord Shiva in the form of a bull.Thus, the miraculous rock came to be known as the Bhim Shila or God’s own armor that came in to protect the existence of the religious place. Today, Bhim Shila has become a part of the Kedarnath temple sanctity as it is believed that the rock has magical powers that preserve the auspicious temple.