Kedarnath is a very famous pilgrimage site among the Hindu Community in India. The Kedar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 most important Jyotirlingas in the Sanatan Tradition. The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadev who is one of the three supreme entities in Sanatan Tradition. Apart from the religious aspect, Kedarnath is also a very beautiful and serene location and that is why it is so famous and popular. Here is how you can plan a trip to Kedarnath.
Why Kedarnath is so Famous?
The physical manifestation of Lord Shiva in the form of a Lingam is known as Jyotirlingam or Jyotirlinga. There are 64 such Jyotirlingas in the world. There is a specific story attached to each and every Jyotirlinga of how it came into existence.
The Story of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga and How It Became So Popular
After the epic battle of Mahabharata, Pandavas left for the Himalayas for penance. For that, they needed to please Lord Shiva first and that is why they established a Lingam. The term Kedar means field or crops and Nath means Lord or the Owner. Therefore Kedarnath means Lord of the fields. However, the yogic meaning of this term defines it as the Lord of the Crops of Salvation. Meaning, Kedarnath is the field whose crops are salvation. This was the reason for Kedarnath being so famous among the pilgrims.
How Did Kedarnath gain popularity among youngsters?
It is an undeniable fact that Kedarnath temple is quite popular among the youngsters. It has gained popularity as more than just a religious place. There are a few reasons for it:
4 Prominent Reasons for Kedarnath Being Famous among Youngsters
1. Hiking to Kedarnath
Youths love hiking and Kedarnath temple gives a very natural opportunity for that. From Gaurikund to Kedarnath, you get an option to choose between Hiking, Riding a pony and a helicopter ride. Hiking is the best option preferred by the youths to reach the Kedarnath temple.
2. Natural Charm of Kedarnath
Kedarnath is an amazingly beautiful and serene location. Filled with valleys, snow-capped mountains, and alluring views, it is the height of natural charm. There are many locations near Kedarnath which are as beautiful and magnificent as Kedarnath itself. Here are the 5 Best Places to Explore in Kedarnath.
3. Kedarnath Movie
Agree or disagree, the movie has played a very significant role in popularising the location among youngsters. I have not seen it so not aware of the storyline, but still, it was able to create a polarisation effect for the location.
4. Bhimshila
Remember the huge rock which saved the Kedarnath temple from the 2013 flood. Many people wish to see that huge rock known as Bhimshila and respect it worship it and thank it to save their beloved temple.
It is quite amazing that this rock was falling from a very high altitude yet it stopped just before the temple and divided the water waves into two parts protecting the temple structure. It is also known as the Gods Rock as many believe that it was sent by God to protect the temple.
How to Plan a Trip to Kedarnath?
Planning a trip to Kedarnath has become quite easy and convenient. You just need to make a note of a few things and everything else become easy for you. If you don’t know how to start planning a trip to Kedarnath, let’s do it with me here, right now.
What is the nearest airport and nearest Railways Station to Kedarnath?
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun
- Nearest Railway Station/Bus Stop: Rishikesh
There are buses and cabs available from both of these locations for Kedarnath.
Bonus Tip: It is best to visit Rishikesh as it is closer to Sonpryag and Gaurikund than Dehradun. Also, you will get more transport options from Rishikesh to Sonpryag.
Should I stay in Rishikesh/Dehradun or Sonpryag while travelling to Kedarnath?
You should stay in Sonpryag for many reasons.
- One is that you will stay near the starting point of the Kedarnath Journey.
- Second is that you will easily get cabs for Gaurikund so that you can start for Kedarnath.
- Third is that you will get better views in Sonpryag.
- Forth is that Sonpryag is also above Rishikesh and Dehradun so your body will have more time to adjust the height.
Should you book accommodation near the Kedarnath Temple?
The answer is yes if you can. If you have time and money to stay near the Kedarnath temple then you must stay there at least for 24 hours. There are many saying that support this fact:
- It is believed that you should spend some time at a pilgrimage site or temple rather than just entering it and returning back.
- It is highly accepted that when you spend some time at these places, you start to feel the energy of the place which heals you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
- You should stay near the temple and if possible circumambulate around it in a clockwise direction. It is believed that by doing so you flow in the direction of which the energy of the temple is flowing and letting the cosmos elevate you in many aspects.
What are the things you need to pack while travelling to Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath is more than just a pilgrimage site. It is a hiking trail, a camping site, a religious destination, a pilgrimage site, a natural spot, a hill station, a spiritual upliftment centre and much more. Therefore, to visit such a place, you need extra preparation. That is why we have a dedicated article for the Things to Carry While Travelling to Kedarnath.
How much does the Kedarnath Trip Cost?
Kedarnath is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. That is why you will always find a rush at this location which also spikes the rates and prices. Yet, if you plan carefully and consider some important points, you can save your money and get the best out of the trip. In order to give you a more clear idea about the Kedarnath trip Cost, we have prepared a separate article for the same. Here is the Plan Your Kedarnath Tour: Kedarnath Trip Cost Comprehensive Guide.
Conclusion
It is great to see that the youngsters are visiting the Kedarnath Temple in huge numbers. This has increased the clarity of people towards the actual importance of the temple and the pilgrimage. It has elevated awareness among visitors about the place and its culture. Pilgrimage tourism is one of the ideal kinds of tourism which will continue to grow in the coming days.
By reading this article, one will understand how Kedarnath became so popular and famous among youngsters. It discusses the best way to plan a trip to Kedarnath. It deals with many important points on how to reach, where to stay and much more. As the packing list for Kedarnath and its trip cost are bigger topics so they needed another article which you can refer to. Let us know in the comment section if you liked this content. Do share this article with your friends and families who are planning to visit Kedarnath.
Just an amazing trip planning. Love to be here with this plan