Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
కేదార్నాథ్
Lord Shiva as Kedarnath (the bull-back of Shiva) · Kedarnath, Rudraprayag district (Himalayas), Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Kedarnath, Rudraprayag district (Himalayas), Uttarakhand. Among the most difficult Jyotirlingas to reach — Himalayan pilgrimage at 3,583m altitude. Open only May to October due to snow. Part of the Chota Char Dham yatra.
Significance
Among the most difficult Jyotirlingas to reach — Himalayan pilgrimage at 3,583m altitude. Open only May to October due to snow. Part of the Chota Char Dham yatra.
Mythological Origin
After the Mahabharata war, Pandavas sought Shiva to atone for killing their own kin. Shiva eluded them by becoming a bull and submerging into the earth at Kedarnath. The bull's back (hump) is the Jyotirlinga form here.
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.