Kedarnath Dham

Located at an elevation of 3,583 meters near the Chorabari Glacier and the roaring Mandakini river, Kedarnath is the highest of all 12 Jyotirlingas and the crowning peak of the sacred Chardham pilgrimage. According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra war. Shiva assumed the form of a bull, and when spotted by Bhima, dived into the earth, leaving behind his hump at Kedarnath. Adi Shankaracharya revitalized this shrine in the 8th century. During severe Himalayan winters, the temple stays buried under deep snow, and the deity travels down to Ukhimath for worship. Donations help maintain shelters, clear mountain routes, and provide emergency relief to pilgrims navigating high altitudes.