Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Kedarnath is the highest and farthest among all jyotirlings. This temple is name after King Kedar who ruled here in Satyuga. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3583m in the Himalaya in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one among the Chardham Yatra destinations and is open only for six months a year due to severe climatic conditions. There is no motorable road to Kedarnath and one either has to trek 14 kms from Gaurikund or ride a horse to reach the temple. The other way is through helicopters. The temple is surrounded by imposing ice capped peaks that make for a picturesque trek. It is said that after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas carried out penance here. Adi Shankaracharya who revived Hinduism in 800 CE is also said to have taken samadhi here and a temple is dedicated to him. After the torrential rains of 2013 it has become mandatory for devotees to take permission before visiting this jyotirling.