A Visit to Kedarnath

Gourikund is a small but busy town. It was the last point to which our vehicle could go to reach the shrine of Kedarnath. We stayed in a hotel which was wholly made of the strong wood. The river Mandakini was roaring behind our hotel.

We decided to foot out the 16 km. long winding path. Horses, palanquins, etc. were available there. These were used by old and weak persons.

We started at about 6 a.m. the next morning. The hilly path gradually went up and soon we saw river Mandakini far below us. There were “chattis” (small shops) all through the way. We often stopped at these shops and took tea or water. Snacks were also available at these shops but their price was just triple or more than the usual amount. This was due to the difficulty in getting supplies from the valley. Some of them offered shelter for the night and charged money for that.

There were a circuitous main road and many shortcuts. The confusing maze of steep pathways brought forth the risk of getting lost. We took a very light meal and started again. The path was steeper and the icy winds were blowing. At last, we came to a valley. The view was heart captivating. We were feeling as if enjoying the beauty of heaven or the land of gods.

Kedarnath was on the opposite side cradled in the lap of majestic ice-capped mountains. We crossed the Mandakini River by a hanging bridge. It rocked so much that we were afraid we would go crashing into the icy water. However, nothing bad or harmful happened. We reached Kedarnath at 1 p.m.

As we reached there a smiling local inhabitant ("Panda" in local language) welcomed us and arranged for our fooding and lodging. In the evening we saw “Aarti” at the temple. It was grand and beautiful scenery.

The Kedarnath temple is made of stone. It is said to have been constructed by the famous Pandav brothers on their way to heaven.

The temple and its surroundings gave us a very soothing, peaceful, and spiritual feeling. We can never forget that feeling throughout our lives. A famous writer has rightly said:


A thing of beauty is a joy forever” and temple Kedarnath contains that eternal beauty.