BlogWho Built Kedarnath Temple?
High up in the mighty Himalayas, surrounded by snowy peaks, stands the Kedarnath Temple. For thousands of years, this sacred place has been a source of deep faith for millions. It has faced harsh weather, avalanches, and even a devastating flood, yet it stands strong.
But this incredible strength makes us wonder: who built Kedarnath Temple? And just how old is Kedarnath Temple?
The answer isn’t a single name but a beautiful story that stretches back thousands of years. Let’s travel back in time together and uncover the history of this divine place, from the age of the Pandavas right up to the present day.
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Feature |
Summary of the Story & Facts |
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The Legendary Founders |
After the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva. He appeared as a bull, and his hump remained on the surface, which the Pandavas first enshrined as a temple. |
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The Historical Builder |
Around the 8th century, the great saint Adi Shankaracharya is credited with building the present-day stone temple, reviving it as a major pilgrimage site for all of India. |
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Architectural Genius |
The temple is built with massive interlocking stone slabs without mortar. Its clever North-South orientation and high platform have protected it from centuries of snow and avalanches. |
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Miraculous Survival |
In the 2013 floods, the temple was saved by a massive boulder (now called Bhim Shila) that diverted the destructive floodwaters, protecting the main structure from harm. |
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Deeper Spiritual Context |
Kedarnath is the main temple of the Panch Kedar, where parts of Shiva’s bull form appeared. The head is believed to have appeared at the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal. |
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Year-Round Worship |
The temple opens in Apr/May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closes in Oct/Nov (Bhai Dooj). During the six winter months, the deity is worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. |
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Quick Facts Answered |
The article provides direct answers on the temple’s age (1200+ years), the stone used (gneiss), its fame (a Jyotirlinga & Char Dham site), and other common questions. |
How Pandavas Build Kedarnath Temple
The oldest story about who built Kedarnath takes us to the time of the Mahabharata.
After the great war of Kurukshetra, between Pandwas and Kauravas the five Pandava brothers were victorious, but their hearts were heavy and. They felt deep sorrow and guilt for having to fight and kill their own relatives, including their cousins, the Kauravas. This was a great sin, known as gotra hatya (killing of one’s own Brothers, teacher and relatives).
To seek forgiveness, they went in search of Lord Shiva. But Lord Shiva was angry with them for the bloodshed and wanted to avoid them. As the Pandavas searched for him in the Himalayas, Shiva cleverly disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) and hid among a herd of cattle.
However, the mighty Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, recognised him. As Bhima tried to catch the bull, it began to disappear into the ground. In a last-ditch effort, Bhima grabbed onto the bull’s hump.
The bull’s body disappeared, but the hump was left behind, turning into stone. This very hump is worshipped today as the sacred Jyotirlinga inside the Kedarnath Temple.
It is said that the other parts of the bull’s body appeared in four other places, which are now known as the Panch Kedar (Five Kedars):
- The arms (bahu) appeared at Tunganath.
- The face (mukh) at Rudranath.
- The navel (nabhi) at Madhyamaheshwar.
- The hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar.
Lord Shiva, pleased with their determination, finally appeared before the Pandavas and freed them from their sins. It is believed that out of their devotion and gratitude, the Pandavas built the very first temple at Kedarnath to worship the holy hump.
So, How Old is the Temple Really?
According to the story of the Pandavas, the temple’s origins are over 5,000 years old, belonging to the mythological era of the Mahabharata.
Scientists and geologists who have studied the temple have different findings. They have studied the huge stones and the way the temple was built. Many agree that the stone structure we see today is at least 1,200 years old. Some studies even suggest that the temple survived under snow for almost 400 years during a “Little Ice Age” in the region. This snowy blanket might have protected it from damage, which is why it is in such good condition.
So, the story of Kedarnath is thousands of years old, while the stone temple that stands before us is over a thousand years old.
The Rebirth of the Temple: The Role of Adi Shankaracharya
If the Pandavas built the first temple, then who made the Kedarnath Temple that we see today?
For this part of the story, we have to look to a great saint named Adi Shankaracharya, who lived around 1,200 years ago (in the 8th century).
Adi Shankaracharya was a wise philosopher who travelled all across India. His mission was to revive the spirit of Hinduism. He visited many holy places, and Kedarnath was one of the most important. When he arrived, he found the temple in need of restoration.
It is widely believed that Adi Shankaracharya rebuilt and restored the Kedarnath Temple to its present form. He didn’t just rebuild the structure; he re-established it as a major pilgrimage site in the Char Dham circuit, making it a powerful centre for devotees from all over the country.
His connection to Kedarnath is so deep that it is said he chose to leave his earthly body (mahasamadhi) right behind the temple, at the young age of 32. A site is dedicated to him there.
The Final Answer: So, Who Built It?
So, who gets the credit? The Pandavas or Adi Shankaracharya?
The best way to think about it is this:
- The Pandavas are the legendary founders. They built the first temple out of pure faith and established the holiness of the place.
- Adi Shankaracharya is the great restorer. He built the strong, magnificent stone temple that we see today on that same sacred ground.
So, the answer to “who built Kedarnath” is both of them! The Pandavas laid the spiritual foundation, and Adi Shankaracharya built the physical marvel that has stood the test of time.
A Miracle of Strength: The Temple Today
The temple’s history isn’t just in the past. In 2013, Uttarakhand witnessed a terrible flood. Everything around the temple was washed away, but the temple itself remained almost untouched. It was a true miracle.
Many believe a giant rock, which miraculously rolled down and stopped right behind the temple, saved it by diverting the floodwaters. This rock is now worshipped as the Bhim Shila (Bhima’s Rock). This event proved that the temple is not just a building, but a symbol of divine strength.
When Does Kedarnath Open?
Because of its location high in the mountains, the Kedarnath Temple is not open all year round. It gets completely covered in snow during the winter.
Opening Date: The temple usually opens on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, which falls in late April or early May. The exact date is announced every year on Mahashivratri.
Closing Date: The temple closes for the winter around Bhai Dooj, which is the day after Diwali. This is usually in October or November.
The best time to visit is from May to June and from September to October, when the weather is most pleasant.
A Story Written in Stone and Faith
The story of who built Kedarnath Temple is a beautiful blend of faith, history, and miracles. It’s a tale that begins with guilt-ridden princes and is revived by a wise saint, echoing through the ages in the Himalayan winds. More than just a destination, Kedarnath is a living legend, inviting everyone to witness its divine power and timeless history.
To experience this profound spiritual journey yourself, exploring the rich possibilities of Kedarnath tourism is a must. For those ready to answer the call of the mountains and witness this sacred legacy firsthand, we provide the best Kedarnath tour services to ensure your pilgrimage is seamless, safe, and truly memorable.
