Uttaranchal - Kedarnath

One of the chosen abodes of Shiva, Kedarnath is home to one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. The temple here was constructed thousands of years ago when the Pandavas came to serve their penance to Shiva. Viewing the Pandavas as sinners for having killed their own kin in battle, Shiva disguised himself as a bull to escape their notice. When the Pandavas discovered the ruse, Shiva turned to stone and tried to escape into the ground. But as his front half vanished, Bhima, one of the Pandavas, managed to catch Shiva’s rocky rear end. Pleased with the Pandavas diligence, Shiva appeared in his true form and forgave them.

The back half of that stone form is now worshipped at Kedarnath. Shiva’s front half broke off and re-emerged in Nepal, where it is venerated at the Pashupati Temple. Other parts of Shiva turned up at Tungnath (arm), Rudrandath (face), Madhyamaheshwar(navel), and Kapleshwar (locks); together, they form the Panch Kedar(Five Fields) pilgrimage circuit.

Kedarnath remains open from May until late October and serves as the starting point for many beautiful treks. Buses take pilgrims as far as Gaurikund, 216km from Rihsikesh. From there, it’s a steep 14km. trek. Horses are also available for hire.