History of Kedarnath – Home of Lord Shiva Constructed by Pandavas

In Hindu mythology, Kedarnath is considered to be one of the most sacred sites. The temple has many stories, legends, and mythology associated with its origin. It is part of many miracles. Throughout its long history, the temple went through various tragic hazards, yet nothing affected its glory. It is considered to be the nerve centre of the religious and cultural realm of India.

Its beginning is tied to the Pandavas; however, as per the historical evidences it was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century. In this guide, we give you an in-depth insight into the history of Kedarnath.

Everything You Need to Know About the History of Kedarnath

Legends & Origin Story

After the Mahabharat war, the Pandavas, who won the war, started searching for Lord Shiva to serve as a penance for killing their kins and relatives in the war. Draupadi also accompanied them in their quest. Contrarily, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull in Guptkashi to hide from the Pandavas.

Bheem then spotted the lord, and that very moment, he started sinking into the ground where the lord was standing. Bheem held on to the hump of the bull. At that very location, the hump plonked even after the body of the bull disappeared. Therefore, in the Kedarnath temple, the lingam is in the form of a hump. In four other locations, other parts of the bull appeared.

Collectively, these five locations are known to be the Panch Kedars of Uttarakhand. On the other hand, pleased with the perseverance of Pandavas, Shiva absolved them from their sins, and the Kedarnath Temple was built there.

Another legend about the Kedarnath Temple history tells the story of twin sages. The names of these sages were Nar and Narayan. They asked Shiva to dwell on earth at Kedarnath permanently, as a reward for their long meditation.

Historical Account

• The history of Kedarnath Dham can be dated to the 8th century BCE, to the great sage and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.
• It is believed that at the age of 32, Adi Shankaracharya attained Mahasamadhi in Kedarnath.
• He revitalized the shrine and selected it as his resting spot.
• Behind the Kedarnath temple, you will see a Nirvana – Samadhi Sthal where Adi Shankaracharya merged with the divine and went to Kailash.

Interesting Facts About Kedarnath Temple Origin

• An interesting fact about the temple is that, somewhere between 1300 and 1900 AD, it was engulfed partially or totally in the glacial ice during the Little Ice Age.
• According to the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Scientists, the striations and yellow lines marked at various places on the temple’s outer wall point to the glacial activity that happened in the region.
• Shiva’s idol is enshrined in the form of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in the Garbhagriha, a symbolic representation of Mahadev.
• At Kedarnath, you will see the most distinctive Lingam, a conical rock that is naturally formed and not artificially. Just at the Garbhagriha’s entrance, in the Mandap, you will find the idol of Nandi.
• After the 2013 flood, preservation and restoration efforts were carried out. In March 2014, the project for the reconstruction and restoration of Kedarnath Valley and Kedarnath temple started. Nearly ₹700 crores were given for long-term and medium reconstruction to the state.
• A light show has been conceived to display Kedarnath’s religious importance. This twenty-five-minute-long laser light show perfectly displays the epic Mahabharat’s story, and the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy.

Kedarnath in Ancient Texts and Scriptures

The reference to Kedarnath can be found in the Skanda Purana, which is believed to be one of the 18 Mahapuranas. In this text, Kedarnath has been described as a site where the River Ganges was released by Lord Shiva from his matted locks.

Another text that mentions Kedarnath is the Kashi Kedara Mahatmya. In this ancient text, Kedarnath is considered to be the crop of liberation.

Kedarnath Temple is also considered to be one of the two hundred and seventy-five Paadal Petra Sthalams in Tevaram, the Shaiva Tamil devotional text. These texts signify the religious prominence of Kedarnath.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga History FAQs

Q-1: What is unique about the history of Kedarnath?

Ans: The beginning of Kedarnath is tied to the Pandavas; however, as per the historical evidences it was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century. In this guide, we give you an in-depth insight into the history of Kedarnath.

Q-2: How old is the Kedarnath shrine?

Ans: Kedarnath Shrine is believed to be over 1200 years old. Although the exact time of the construction of the temple remains unknown.

Q-3: Who revived the Kedarnath Temple?

Ans: Kedarnath is associated with Adi Shankaracharya, the eighth-century theologian and philosopher who is believed to have revived this shrine and established it as a major tirtha.

Q-4: Is there any Vedic reference to Kedarnath?

Ans: Many ancient Hindu scriptures and texts, such as the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana, mention Kedarnath as the holiest shrine of Lord Shiva. In various Vedic texts, its significance has been highlighted.

Q-5: Is Kedarnath a jyotirlinga?

Ans: Yes, Kedarnath is considered to be one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.