10 Interesting Facts About Kedarnath Temple

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Category: Travel | Published: February 8, 2026 | Updated On: February 8, 2026

Kedarnath Temple Facts: A Spiritual Marvel in the Himalayas

Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Temple is not just a sacred shrine — it is a living legend carved in stone, faith, and time. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple stands at an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) and is one of the Panch Kedar and an essential part of the Char Dham Yatra.

Known for its divine grace and remarkable resilience, the temple attracts millions of devotees every year. In this article, we explore 10 interesting facts about Kedarnath Temple that highlight its spiritual significance, extraordinary architecture, and the mysteries surrounding it.

Before we dive into these fascinating facts, here are some quick highlights about the temple.

Quick Facts About Kedarnath Temple

Facts Detail
Location: Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand
Height 11,755 feet (3583 meters)
Flowing river:
Mandakini River
Opening period:
May to October (peak pilgrimage season)
Closing period: November to April (winter period)
Temple Darshan Timing: 6:00 A.M to 12:00 p.m., noon, and 3:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m.
Highlights: Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, Bhairavnath temple, and snow-capped peaks.

10 Amazing and Unknown Facts About Kedarnath temple.

Buried Under Snow for Over 400 Years

According to geologists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, the Kedarnath Temple was buried under a thick layer of snow for nearly 400 years during the Little Ice Age (1300–1900 AD). This natural cover protected the stone structure from severe damage and preserved it for generations.

Build By Pandavas & re-established by Adi Shankaracharya

Legend has it that the original temple was constructed by the Pandavas to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for their sins. The current stone structure was later revived by the 8th-century philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya, making it a symbol of both faith and resilience.

(Read our blog on Kedarnath Temple History to know more about the formation of the Kedarnath Temple.

The Miraculous Divine Shield (Bheem Shilla)

During the catastrophic 2013 Uttarakhand flood, the temple remarkably remained intact. A massive boulder, now called Bheem Shilla, rolled down from the mountains and stopped behind the temple, diverting floodwaters and protecting the shrine from destruction. This natural phenomenon adds to the temple’s mystical aura.

Kedarnath Temple’s Unique Hump-Shaped Lingam

Unlike most Shiva temples that feature a round-shaped lingam, the Kedarnath Temple houses a unique, irregular triangle-shaped lingam. According to legend, this shape represents the “hump” of Lord Shiva’s bull form, making it one of the most distinctive and revered facts about Kedarnath Temple.

Kedarnath Temple’s Head Priest Comes from South India

The chief priest of Kedarnath Temple, known as the Rawal, belongs to the Veershaiva community of Karnataka in South India. While the Rawal does not perform the daily rituals personally, he is entrusted with maintaining the sanctity of the shrine, making him a key figure in the temple’s spiritual governance. This is one of the most interesting facts about Kedarnath Temple that highlights its unique traditions.

Unique Kannada Language Rituals at Kedarnath Temple

Despite being located in the Himalayas of North India, the rituals at Kedarnath Temple have been performed in Kannada for centuries, rather than in Hindi or Sanskrit like many other North Indian temples. This tradition exists because the head priest (Rawal) belongs to Karnataka, making it one of the most unique and fascinating facts about Kedarnath Temple.

Highest Jyotirlinga in the World

Situated at an altitude of 11,755 feet (3,583 meters) above sea level, Kedarnath Temple is one of the highest Jyotirlingas among the 12 sacred temples of Lord Shiva. Its lofty location not only makes it a remarkable spiritual site but also one of the most fascinating facts about Kedarnath Temple.

Kedarnath Temple’s Six-Month Seasonal Shift

Due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather, Kedarnath Temple remains closed from November to April each year. During this period, the idol of Lord Shiva is moved to its winter residence at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where rituals continue throughout the winter months.

(Check our blog on the best time to visit Kedarnath to know more about when the temple opens or closes and what the best time to visit is).

Kedarnath Temple’s Akhand Jyoti – The Eternal Flame

During the winter closure of Kedarnath Temple, a small lamp, known as the Akhand Jyoti, continues to burn inside the sanctum. When the temple reopens in spring, priests often find the lamp still lit, a phenomenon believed by locals to be sustained by a divine force without human intervention, making it one of the most mysterious facts about Kedarnath Temple.

Bhairavnath, the Guardian Deity

A small temple dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath, located about 500 meters from Kedarnath Temple, serves as the guardian of the Kedar Valley. The deity, revered as the Kshetrapal, is believed to protect the region from evil and natural calamities, especially during the harsh snowy months, making this one of the fascinating facts about Kedarnath Temple.

FAQs

What is special about the Kedarnath temple?

Kedarnath Temple is special due to its significance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Panch Kedar, and an integral part of the Kedarnath Dham yatra. Featuring a unique-shaped lingam, it is known for its stunning Himalayan scenery.

Who is the guardian of the Kedarnath temple?

The Bhairavnath temple, located just 500 meters away, is considered the Kedarnath temple, which protects the temple during the winter from natural harm and evil eye.

Who is the main pandit of the Kedarnath temple?

The Rawals are the main priests of the Kedarnath temple, who traditionally belong to the Veersahiva community of Karnataka.

Where is the Kedarnath idol kept in winter?

The idol of Kedarnath is shifted to the Omkareshwar temple of Ukhimath during the winter, when the main temple is closed.

How did the Kedarnath temple survive the 2013 flood?

The Kedarnath temple survived the devastating flood of 2013 due a massive rock, which rolled at the back of the shrine and diverted the flow of water into two parts to protect the shrine.