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Kedarnath is
the most important Hindu shrine in Himalayas, and among the major Shiva
temples, of the country. Located at the source of the river Mandakini,
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas, of Lord Shiva, and one of the
Panch Kedars. Mythology identifies the deity at Kedarnath temple, with the
rump of a bull, a form assumed by Lord Shiva, when eluding the Pandavas, who
had come for repentance for killing their kith and kin, in the great battle of
Kurukshetra. It is believed that the temple of Kedarnath, was constructed by
the Pandavas. At the entrance of the temple, is the statue of Nandi, the
divine bull of Shiva. The wall inside the temple, is exquisitely carved with
images, and the temple houses a shiva lingam, which is worshipped by hordes of
pilgrims. At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue
of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhimath, and is
reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that
the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts
of India, for a holy pilgrimage. Legends notwithstanding, the shrine of
Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow -
covered mountains, and grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind
the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great
distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is,
simply, an enthralling sight.
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