Kedarnath Dham is perched among the snow-clad mountains of the massive Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, offering the magnificent backdrop of the Nar Narayan twin ranges. This Dham shrine is also one of the most crucial pillars of the Char Dham Yatra, which remains thronged with pilgrims during the open season. There are several mysteries and stories that surround this holy Dham shrine. Here are some lesser-known and interesting facts about Kedarnath Dham that not a lot of people know about:
1- Who Built the Temple?
There is no hard evidence regarding who built this temple in the first place. However, there are numerous theories proposed by historians, archaeologists, and religious groups. Some say that Raja Bhoj of Malwa, who ruled between 1076 and 1099 AD, had the temple built.
Another theory suggests that the great Hindu sage, saint, and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya built this temple in the 8th century to re-establish the CharDham Yatra. On the other hand, some believe that the Pandava brothers built Kedarnath Dham in an attempt to seek pardon from Lord Shiva after performing penance during the Dwapar Yuga. However, scientific research suggests that the temple could not have withstood the harsh conditions of changing ecologies if it had been built during that time.
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, a fact that most people do not know. According to 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 its structure.
The scientists were also not surprised to find that due to this, the temple did not suffer much damage during the 2013 devastating flooding of Uttarakhand. The research team discovered several yellow lines, which are said to have formed as the glacier slowly and steadily moved over the stones. This indicates that whoever built the temple had considered the terrain and the formation of glaciers and snow, making 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 protection was proven during the 2013 Kedarnath floods, which turned out to be one of the most catastrophic devastations in recent history.
During the flood, a massive boulder mysteriously wedged itself between the gushing floodwaters and the temple shrine, preventing the water from completely wiping out the temple. This boulder can still be found behind the temple, where people worship it, believing that Lord Shiva 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 celestial bull of Lord Shiva, is also present. This conical, black rock formation is worshipped as Lord Shiva inside the temple since, during his escape from the Pandavas in the guise of a bull, Bhima (the strongest of the Pandava brothers) caught his ruse and held him by his tail.
At that moment, Lord Shiva, in the form of a bull, started sinking into the ground. The conical form represents the hind part of the bull, while the remaining parts of his body became part of the holy Panch Kedar Yatra.
5- The Mysterious Akhand Jyoti (Eternal Fire)
Kedarnath Dham remains closed for darshan for 6 months during winter when the entire region gets engulfed in snow and experiences extremely freezing temperatures, shutting down the Yatra and expeditions in the region. During this time, the presiding deity of the Dham is shifted to its winter abode in Ukhimath, where pilgrims visit to offer their prayers.
Despite the temple being closed, the Kedarnath Dham temple remains lit 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 they reopen. This flame is considered to be extremely holy and pious since it does not extinguish throughout the 6 months the temple remains closed.
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I was terribly astonished to Chardham (Kedarnath) darsan.We have started chardham on 19th october 2021.On that time weather was too much bad,but we have a unforgettable darsan in Kedarnath , Badrinath ,Yamunotri and Gangotri. It almost possible for Lord’s boon.We are awaitang for next darsan if Lord have sanctioned.
” Believe it or not but I find the Pandava story a bit unconvincing! Why will Lord Shiva run away in form of a bull & allow Bhim a mortal, to rip His back and scatter his body parts???Was Lord Shiva afraid of the Pandava’s- to run away??? Or maybe created this act on purpose for mortals to start believing in Lord Shiv???
Lord Shiva was not afraid, he doesnt want to meet them because of their sins(killng of their own blood line), thats why he hide himself and took a form of bull