This is One of the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva
The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer.
According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath is one of the Holiest Hindu Temples. Kedarnath hosts one of the holliest hindu temples and is a ever most popular destination for hindu pilgrims and tourists from all over the world in a scenic spot at the origin of the river Mandakani, the shrine of Kedarnath is most venerated amongst the hindu pilgrimes.
Location
Kedarnath is accessible by a 14 km trek through a hilly paved path (hourses or planquines are available for rent) from Gaurikund. Gourikund is a one day’s Travel by road from Rishikesh,Haridwar, Dehradun and other important hill stations in the Garwal and Kumaon regions of Uttrakhand.
Location: 14 kms. Trek From Gaurikund (Poni and Doli are available on this trek).