Kedarnath

The temple in Kedarnath needs no introduction. It is one of the five Shiva Temples, collectively known as Panch Kedar. Legend: when Pandavas, during their penance in the Himalayas, found Shiva meditating in Kedarnath, He transformed into a bull and disappeared into the ground, but not before Bhima caught hold of his hump. This is worshipped in the form of a rock in Kedarnath. Likewise, other body parts appeared in different places and are worshipped — arms in Tungnath, navel in Madhmaheshwar, face in Rudranath and hair in Kalpeshwar. The stone temples in Kedarnath, Tungnath and Madhmaheshwar, blend seamlessly into the Himalayan landscape. In Rudranath, a hut houses the deity along with smaller spires with fluted amalakas, whereas in Kalpeshwar, a cave serves as the temple. Though the trek to Rudranath is considered to be the toughest, Panch Kedar, the temple in Kedarnath, with Kedarnath massif rising sharply behind the temple, could be one of the most audacious expression of human will. Though the temple is really crowded in the summer months, during autumn, it receives few visitors. You can wander in its vaunted mandapa and admire the sculptures of Pandavas in niches, feel its weathered walls, and submit to the tenacity of faith. The shikhara lighting up a bright golden and blinding snow clad peaks behind remain in your memory.

References:

1. Wooden Temples of Uttarakhand by Richa Kamboj

2. Kedarkhand Hema Uniyal

3. Manaskhand by Hema Uniyal

4. Art and Architecture of Uttarakhand by O.C Handa and Madhu Jain