Bhairavnath Temple Uttarakhand: Guardian of Kedarnath

About Bhairavnath Temple

Bhairavnath Temple — also known as Bhukund Bhairav or Kal Bhairav (Kaal Bhairav) — and referred to as the Kshetrapal of Kedarnath Temple, is located about 500 meters south of Kedarnath Temple at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level. It is known as Kshetrapal, as it is believed that Bhairavnath protects this area and Kedarnath during the winter season. 

The weapon of Bhairavnath is the Trishul, and his Vahan is a dog; he is considered the Gana of Lord Shiva. Devotees visiting Kedarnath never forget to visit the Bhairavnath temple and offer him mustard oil. This place is also famous for its bird's-eye view of the Kedarnath temple and the valley. 

The Mandakini River gushing out of the mountain in between the Kedarnath Temple and the Bhairavnath Temple makes this location even more beautiful. It is widely believed that a yatra to Kedarnath is not complete without visiting the Bhairavnath temple or offering mustard oil to Kal Bhairav.

What Is The Bhairavnath Temple Famous For?

Bhairavnath Temple is famous for spiritual significance as the protector of the Kedarnath Temple and the Kedar Valley in Uttarakhand. Pilgrims visit here during their Kedarnath yatra and offer mustard oil. It is believed that the Kedarnath Yatra remains incomplete until without a visit to this sacred temple.

It is also known for its stunning bird eye views of the Garhwal Himalayas as it situated at a high altitude of 3,400 to 3,583 meters above sea level.

Quick Facts About Bhairavnath Kedarnath

How High is Bhairavnath Temple?

Bhairavnath Story & History

As per the holy scriptures, it is believed that there was a demon king named "Bhashmasur." He got this name because of his power to turn anyone into ashes, which he received as a boon from Lord Shiva. Due to this power, the demon king started creating havoc in the universe, threatening the existence of deities.

Then Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful lady named "Mohini" and tricked Bhashmashur to keep his hand on his own head, turning him into ashes. After this event, all the deities, including Lord Shiva, were concerned about the increasing presence of demons on this earth. So he called Bhariavnath on earth to protect the holy abode of Lord Shiva, "the Kedarnath Temple."

The Tradition of Visiting Bhairavnath Temple Before or After Kedarnath

In the traditions associated with the Kedarnath trip, it is believed to be auspicious to visit the Bhairavnath Temple either before or after visiting the Kedarnath Temple. This practice stems from the belief that Lord Bhairav, being a fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva, safeguards the devotees on their journey and ensures their safe return from the pilgrimage. 

In addition to the mythological importance, this place also gained its popularity due to the amazing view that we get from this temple. From this point, you will get a birds eye view of Kedar valley and trekking route to Chorabari lake and Vasuki tal with many beautiful water streams gushing out of the mountains.

Other Places to Visit Near Bhairavnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple

It is one of the most famous temples in the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, or Panch Kedar. In addition to this, it is part of the Do Dham Yatra and Chota Char Dham Yatra. Millions of devotees visit the Kedarnath temple every year to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is also known as a mysterious place, and it is a strong belief that Lord Shiva still resides in the Kedarnath temple to free devotees from their sins and bless them with happiness and success in their lives. Kedarnath Temple is just 500 meters away from Bhairavnath Temple.

Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi

It is another beauty of this location that you can’t afford to miss if you have an interest in scriptures, traditions, culture, etc. Adi Shankaracharya was the person who is believed to have constructed the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples during his visit to Uttarakhand. Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi is just 100 meters away from Kedarnath Temple and about 600 meters away from Bhairavnath Temple.

Triyuginarayan Temple

Another must-visit place near Bhairavnath Temple is Triyuginarayan Temple Rudraprayag Uttarakhand. It is the same place where Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married in the presence of other dignitaries. It is also known as Akhand Dhuni Temple due to the perpetual fire in this temple, which is believed to have been burning for the last three yugas, i.e., Satyug, Dwaparyug, and Treta Yug. The Triyuginarayan temple is about 40 km away from the Bhairavnath Temple near Kedarnath Temple.

You can cover the Bhairavnath Temple in your Kedarnath tour packages. Here at Manchala Mushafir Private Limited, we provide the Kedarnath visit with a visit to Bhairavnath Temple and other sites like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Dhari Devi Temple, Gaurikund, etc. The Kedarnath yatra package costs around INR 9500 per person, including transportation, meals, a guide, registration, a luxury stay, river rafting, etc.

Things to Carry for Bhairavnath Temple Kedarnath

Visiting the Bhairavnath Temple near Kedarnath is a soulful experience, but the journey requires careful planning, especially considering the high altitude and unpredictable weather. To make your trip comfortable, safe, and memorable, here’s a list of essential things to carry:

• Warm, layered clothing — jacket, thermals, a woolen cap, and gloves; layers let you adjust as temperatures shift through the day.
• Sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes and a trekking pole for the uneven, high-altitude terrain.
• Rain protection — a lightweight raincoat or poncho, plus a waterproof backpack cover.
• Essential documents — a government photo ID and your Kedarnath Yatra Registration slip, mandatory for entry.
• A basic first aid kit with altitude-sickness medication, along with snacks, water, and a charged power bank.

For a complete, itemized checklist covering the wider Kedarnath Yatra, see our Kedarnath packing guide.

Travel tips to visit the Bhairavnath Temple

• Be Ready for the trek: if you want to go to Bhairavnath Temple, it's just 500 meters away from Kedarnath Temple, but the path is quite difficult and rocky that's why the path is difficult so wear sturdy shoes to reach Bhairavnath Temple
• Offer mustard oil: In the Bhairavnath temple, there is a ritual to offer mustard oil on the Bhairavnath idol, so carry a bottle of mustard oil with you
• 360 view of the mountain: Bhairavnath Temple offers a breathtaking view of the mountains, so if you are planning to go to Bhairavnath Temple, then take some time and see the beauty of nature. It will help you to connect yourself with nature and god
• Dress according to the weather: Bhairavnath Temple is located at a high altitude, and the weather there is too cold because it’s located 3400 meters from sea level, so carry warm clothes during this travel
• Stay hydrated yourself: the route from Kedarnath to Bharavnath temple is quite difficult to trek, so while trekking, stay hydrated and take small breaks during travel
• Plan your travel well: The motorable route for the Bhairavnath temple is to Gaurikund. You have to trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath for 17 km, and then from Kedarnath to Bhairavnath 500 meters, so plan well before your journey.

Conclusion

Bhairavnath Temple is a spiritual journey after Kedarnath temple lakhs of devotees come here every year and offer mustard oil to Bhairv Nath idol and take their blessings. 

This place not only gives you a spiritual experience but also gives a chance to see nature’s beauty from the close because this temple is located from the 3,400 meters from the sea level. 

Moreover, here you can see the 360 views of a mountain covered with snow, and rocky trails, and birdwatching view. 

FAQs About Bhairavnath Temple

How far is the trek from Kedarnath to Bhairavnath?

Bhairavnath temple is only 500 meters from the Kedarnath temple. It’s a rocky path and difficult to trek, so prepare accordingly.

What is the significance of the Bhairavnath Temple?

Bhairavnath temple is dedicated to lord Bhairavnath, the protector deity of Kedarnath. He is believed to protect the temple during the harsh winter months.

What is the history of Bhairavnath Temple?

Do I need to visit this temple?

Well, it’s not mandatory to visit this temple, but it's an essential part of the Kedarnath Yatra, and it’s believed that the Kedarnath Yatra is incomplete without the Bhairavnath temple and offers mustard oil on Bhairavnath.

Is it safe to visit the Bhairavnath temple?

Yes, It is safe. The Bhairavnath temple is just about 500 meters away from the Kedarnath temple, but the trails are difficult to walk, so be careful while trekking, especially if you're going there first time.

Which God is Bhairavnath?