Kedarnath | Chardham #kedarnathdham #kedarnath #kedarnathtemple #chardhamyatra

The history of the Kedarnath temple is a blend of mythology and reconstruction, with the present structure attributed to Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is believed to stand on the site of an even older temple built by the Pandavas. The temple is significant for its association with Lord Shiva, its mention in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana, and its survival through the Little Ice Age and the 2013 flash floods.   Mythological origins The Pandavas are said to have built an earlier temple after the Mahabharata war to atone for their sins.  According to the Skanda Purana (7th-8th century), Kedarnath is the site where Shiva released the holy waters of the Ganga from his hair.  In one version of the legend, the bull-shaped Shiva appeared to the Pandavas, who built temples at five different locations (Panch Kedar) to honor him after the bull manifested in pieces at each site.  Historical and architectural history The current temple was built by the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D.  While some sources credit Adi Shankaracharya for the original construction, the temple may have stood on the ruins of the Pandavas' temple.  The temple is built of gray stones and is a prime example of North Indian Himalayan temple architecture.  Geologists suggest the temple may have been covered by snow for 400 years during the Little Ice Age (c. 1300-1900 AD), which likely helped preserve it.  The inner walls are decorated with images of deities and mythological scenes, with a large statue of the bull Nandi guarding the entrance.  Following the devastating 2013 flash floods, the temple and its surroundings have undergone significant reconstruction and safety measures have been implemented.