SHRI
KEDARNATH JYOTIRLINGA
CHAPTER FIVE
Om Namah
Shivaya
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INTRODUCTION
"Salutations
to Lord Ganesha. Today, I narrate to you the wonderful story of Kedarnath – the
fifth among the twelve Jyotirlingas."
This is not
merely a story – it is the tale of atonement, the tale of repentance, and that
divine play of Shiva's grace which teaches us – no matter how many sins one may
have, all are washed away by seeking refuge in Shiva.
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CHAPTER ONE
KEDARNATH –
THE DIVINE ABODE OF THE HIMALAYAS
This is a
very ancient tale... when the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas were the abode
of the gods.
Kedarnath is
located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an
altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level.
This place
is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Snow-covered mountains all around, cool
breezes, and the gentle flow of the Mandakini river – the atmosphere here is
extremely divine and majestic.
"Kedarnath
is called the 'Shiva Dham of the Himalayas'. To reach here, one has to
undertake a difficult trek, but once you arrive, all fatigue simply melts
away."
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CHAPTER TWO
THE
REPENTANCE OF THE PANDAVAS – THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY
The terrible
war of the Mahabharata had ended. Millions of warriors had been killed. Gurus,
brothers, and relatives – all had been slain.
The Pandavas
had won the war, but deep repentance filled their hearts. They began to think –
"We killed our own gurus. We killed our own brothers. We killed our own
kinsmen. How can so many sins be washed away?"
They
resolved – "We shall seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva."
The Pandavas
set off towards the Himalayas – to find Shiva, to seek his forgiveness, and to
atone for their sins.
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CHAPTER
THREE
SHIVA'S
DECEPTION – THE FORM OF NANDI
Hearing of
the Pandavas' arrival, Lord Shiva thought – "They have committed so much
violence in the war. How can I meet them? I must hide from them."
Shiva
assumed the form of a bull (Nandi) and set off towards Guptakashi.
The Pandavas
gave chase. They kept following the bull. The bull moved through snow and ice,
and the Pandavas kept pursuing it.
Eventually,
the Pandavas realized – this bull was no ordinary animal, but Lord Shiva
himself.
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CHAPTER FOUR
BHIMA'S
ATTEMPT – CATCHING THE BULL
Bhima – the
most powerful among the Pandavas – said – "I will catch this bull. Even if
it is Shiva himself!"
Bhima
assumed a gigantic form. His body grew enormous. He attempted to catch the
bull.
But... Shiva
(the bull) began to sink into the ground. His body gradually started
disappearing into the earth.
Bhima
grabbed hold of the bull's tail – but Shiva had completely merged into the
ground.
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CHAPTER FIVE
PANCHAKEDAR
– THE FIVE PARTS OF SHIVA
When Shiva
merged into the ground, his body was divided into five parts. Each part appeared
at a different location.
The
Panchakedar –
1. Kedarnath
– the back (hump)
2. Tungnath
– the arms
3. Rudranath
– the face
4.
Madhyamaheshwar – the navel
5. Kalpeshwar
– the matted hair
"These
five places together are called 'Panchakedar'. Among them, Kedarnath is the
most prominent, because here is the back portion of Shiva – which is worshipped
as a Jyotirlinga."
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CHAPTER SIX
THE SHIVALINGA
OF KEDARNATH – A UNIQUE FORM
The
Shivalinga of Kedarnath is different from other Shivalingas.
It is
triangular in shape.
It is shaped
like a hump.
It is
self-manifested – that is, it appeared on its own.
It is
considered a Jyotirlinga.
"The
Shivalinga of Kedarnath is made of natural stone – which resembles the shape of
a bull's hump."
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CHAPTER
SEVEN
THE DIVINE
HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE
Mythological
Belief –
Kedarnath is
mentioned in the Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, and the Mahabharata.
The Pandavas
themselves worshipped Shiva here.
They built a
small temple here.
The Contribution
of Adi Shankaracharya –
In the 8th
century, Adi Shankaracharya visited Kedarnath.
He got the
present temple structure built.
It was here
that Adi Shankaracharya took his samadhi.
Historical
Background –
The temple
was completed in the 9th-10th century.
The kings of
Garhwal got it renovated.
During the
devastating flood of 2013, the entire region was destroyed, but the temple
miraculously survived.
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CHAPTER
EIGHT
THE TEMPLE'S
ARCHITECTURE AND SPECIAL FEATURES
The architecture
of the Kedarnath temple is extremely ancient and grand.
Temple
Structure –
Style –
North Indian (Nagara style)
Construction
– Made of massive stones
Sanctum
Sanctorum – Houses the triangular Shivalinga
Courtyard –
Limited space, in a snowy environment
Other
Deities –
In the
temple complex – Bhairavnath, Mother Parvati, Nandi
Special Feature –
The temple
is situated amidst snow and icy winds.
To reach
here, one has to trek 16 kilometers on foot.
This is the
highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas in terms of altitude.
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CHAPTER NINE
THE PILGRIMAGE
– DIFFICULTY AND EXPERIENCE
The
pilgrimage to Kedarnath is considered one of the most difficult journeys in
Hinduism.
The Route –
A 16 km trek
from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
This trek is
done on foot, by horse, or by palanquin.
Helicopter
services are also available.
Why is it
difficult? –
At an
altitude of 3,583 meters, oxygen is scarce.
Snow-covered
paths, slippery trails, and extreme cold.
The weather
can change suddenly.
"Despite
the difficulty, millions of devotees come here every year – because once you
have had darshan of Kedarnath, life feels fulfilled."
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CHAPTER TEN
WINTER KEDARNATH
– THE DEITY'S MIGRATION
Kedarnath
remains open for only 6 months a year – from May to October/November.
When winter
arrives, the deity moves down –
The deity of
Kedarnath is transferred to Ukhimath (Omkareshwar temple).
There,
worship continues throughout the winter.
When spring
arrives, the deity returns to Kedarnath.
"This
tradition has been continuing for hundreds of years. It is called the 'winter
sojourn of Kedarnath'."
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CHAPTER
ELEVEN
2013 – THE
TRAGEDY AND THE MIRACLE
In 2013, a
devastating flood struck Uttarakhand. The entire region was destroyed. Thousands
of people lost their lives.
But... the
Kedarnath temple survived.
A massive
boulder came and lodged itself behind the temple.
That boulder
protected the temple from the force of the flood.
The temple
suffered no damage.
"This
was considered a miracle. Devotees believe – 'Shiva himself protects his own
abode.'"
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CHAPTER
TWELVE
MAHASHIVARATRI
AND OTHER FESTIVALS
Maha
Shivaratri –
Maha
Shivaratri holds special significance here.
Thousands of
devotees gather here.
Rudrabhishek
and japa are performed.
Shravan
Month –
During
Shravan, the Monday fasts hold special significance.
Devotees
bring Ganga water and perform abhishek.
Opening and
Closing of the Doors –
The doors
open in April/May.
The doors
close in October/November.
On both
occasions, grand aartis and pujas are performed.
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CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
INTERESTING
FACTS
First –
Kedarnath is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Second – The
Shivalinga here is triangular and self-manifested.
Third – This
is the primary one among the Panchakedar – the other four are Tungnath,
Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.
Fourth – It
is believed – having darshan here destroys even the sin of cow slaughter.
Fifth – In
the 2013 flood, the temple miraculously survived.
Sixth – To
reach here, one has to walk 16 kilometers on foot.
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CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
THE
SPIRITUAL MESSAGE – THE ESSENCE OF THE STORY
This story
carries a deep spiritual meaning –
1. The
Importance of Atonement –
The Pandavas
accepted their sins and sought refuge in Shiva. This teaches – acknowledging
one's mistake is the first step towards atonement.
2. Shiva's
Compassion –
Shiva
forgave the Pandavas and granted them his vision. This teaches – Shiva's grace
is limitless. No matter how many sins one has, all are washed away by seeking
refuge in Shiva.
3.
Renunciation of Ego –
Shiva
assumed the form of a bull and hid from the Pandavas. This teaches – Shiva is
not found by the arrogant; he is found by the humble.
4. The Power
of Faith –
The temple
survived the 2013 flood – this teaches – faith is never destroyed. Where there
is devotion, Shiva himself protects.
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CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
CONCLUSION
This story
of the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga teaches us –
"No
matter how many sins one may have, all are washed away by seeking refuge in
Shiva. The arduous journey to Kedarnath teaches us humility, and the cool
environment of the Himalayas gives us the experience of
self-purification."
Whoever
remembers Kedarnath with devotion, attains liberation from sins, peace, and
salvation – all three.
This is the
story of Kedarnath... this is the glory of the fifth Jyotirlinga.
Om Namah
Shivaya.
Jai
Kedarnath.
Jai
Panchakedar.
— The End —