Lesser Known Mysteries of Kedarnath Dham

Kedarnath Dham is perched among the snow clad mountains of the massive Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand which offers the magnificent backdrop of Nar Narayan twin ranges. This Dham shrine is also one of the most crucial pillars of the Chota Char Cham Yatra which remains thronged with pilgrims during the open season. There are several mysteries and stories which surround this holy Dham shrine. Here are some of the lesser known and interesting facts about Kedarnath Dham which not a lot of people know about:

1- Who Built the Temple?

There is no hard evidence regarding who had built this temple in the first place. However, there are numerous theories made by historians, archeologists and religious groups. Some say that Raja Bhoj of Malwa, who had ruled between the years of 1076 and 1099 AD had gotten this holy temple built. While another theory suggests that a great Hindu sage, saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya had built this temple during the 8^th century in an attempt to reestablish the Char Dham Yatra. on the other hand a theory also suggests that Kedarnath Dham was built by the Pandava brothers in an attempt receive pardon from Lord Shiva after performing their penance during the Dwapar Yuga. However, scientific researches prove that the temple could not have been able to withstand the harsh conditions of changing ecologies.

2- Temple Covered in Snow for 400 years

Scientists and researchers have found proof that Kedarnath Dham temple was covered entirely in snow for almost 400 years and most people do not know this fact. As per the research conducted by the Wadia institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, the temple shows signs of having survived being completely engulfed in glacial snow without any harm being caused to the temple structure whatsoever. The scientists were also not surprised to know that due to this, the temple did not suffer much damage during the 2013 unfortunate and devastating flooding of Uttarakhand. The research workers discovered several yellow lines which are said to have formed as the glacier slowly and steadily had moved over on the stones making it clear that whomsoever got this temple made had kept in mind the terrain as well as the formation of glaciers and snow and made the temple strong enough to withstand the forces of nature.

3- The Shrine Is Always Protected

As per religious beliefs and traditions the temple is always blessed with the omniscient presence of Lord Shiva who protects the Dham shrine diligently since the presiding deity is dedicated to him in the form of an irregular black shiv lingam. This has been proven during the devastating 2013 unexpected Kedarnath flooding which had proved to be one of the most catastrophic devastations of the time. The main Dham shrine was protected by a massive mountain boulder rock which had mysteriously wedged itself between the gushing flood water and the temple shrine, which did not allow the flood water to wipe out the temple completely. This boulder can still be found behind the temple where people worship it since it is also believed that Lord Shiva had sent this rock himself to protect the temple.

4- Why is there an Irregular Stone Lingam Instead of a Shiv Linga?

The main idol of Lord Shiva in Kedarnath Dham is in the form of a conical, three faced lingam which is placed right at the entrance of the temple. Just outside the temple a statue of Nandi the bull – the celestial bull of Lord Shiva – is also present. This conical, black rock formation is worshipped as lord Shiva inside the temple since while he was escaping from the Pandavas in the guise of a bull, Bhim (the strongest of the Pandava brothers) had caught his ruse and held him by his tail since by then Lord Shiva in the form of a bull had been identified and as an escape measure he had started sinking himself inside the ground. This conical form replicates the hinds of the bull and the remaining parts of his bodies became the part of the holy Panch Kedar Yatra.

5- The Mysterious Akhand Jyoti (Eternal Fire)

Kedarnath Dham remains closed off for Darshan for 6 months during winter when the entire region gets engulfed in snow and experiences extremely freezing temperatures, shutting down Yatra and expedition of the region. During this time the presiding deity of the Dham is shifted to its winter abode in Ukhimath where the pilgrims visit to offer their prayers. During this time the Kedarnath Dham temple remains lighted up from the inside with the help of an eternal flame or Akhand Jyoti which miraculously does not extinguish from the time the temple gates are closed for Darshan to the time of opening of the temple gates. This flame is considered to be extremely holy and pious since it does not extinguish throughout the 6 months of the temple being closed.