1. When will Kedarnath Temple open in 2024?
– Kedarnath Temple usually opens in April/May, around Akshaya Tritiya. The exact opening date for 2024 will likely be around late April to early May.
2. Who built Kedarnath Temple?
– Kedarnath Temple is traditionally believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era. However, the current structure is said to have been renovated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
3. Where is Kedarnath Temple?
– Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Mandakini River.
4. When will Kedarnath Temple close in 2024?
– Kedarnath Temple typically closes after Diwali (October or November), marking the onset of winter. In 2024, the temple is expected to close in November, after Bhai Dooj.
5. How old is Kedarnath Temple?
– The original Kedarnath Temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old, though legends trace its roots back to the Mahabharata period, making it thousands of years old according to Hindu mythology.
6. How did Kedarnath Temple survive the 2013 flood?
– The temple miraculously withstood the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods due to a large boulder (dubbed the “Divine Rock”) that diverted floodwaters away from the temple, protecting it from severe damage.
7. When was Kedarnath Temple built?
– The present structure of Kedarnath Temple was built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, but the original temple is said to have been established thousands of years ago by the Pandavas.
8. How to reach Kedarnath Temple?
– The nearest road access is at Gaurikund, from where it is a 16 km trek to Kedarnath. Helicopter services are also available from nearby locations such as Phata and Guptkashi.
9. How many months is Kedarnath Temple open?
– The temple is open for approximately 6 months each year, from April/May to October/November.
10. Which god is worshiped in Kedarnath Temple?
– Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, specifically in his form as the “Lord of Kedar” (Kedarnath).
11. How far is the walk to Kedarnath Temple?
– The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 16 km.
12. Why is Kedarnath Temple closed for 6 months?
– The temple closes during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather in the region, making it inaccessible.
13. In which state is Kedarnath Temple located?
– Kedarnath Temple is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
14. What happened to Kedarnath Temple during the 2013 flood?
– The temple remained largely undamaged, though the surrounding area was devastated by floods and landslides. The large rock behind the temple diverted floodwaters, saving it from destruction.
15. What is the story behind Kedarnath Temple?
– According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra war. Shiva took the form of a bull and tried to avoid them by hiding in Kedarnath. When they recognized him, he dived into the ground, leaving behind a hump, which is worshipped at the temple.