The Panch Kedar: History and Significance

Located in Uttarakhand, Panch Kedar exists in the Garhwal Himalayan region of the state. It is known for the Hindu temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Panch Kedar is filled with legends and history, making it a significant part of any Hindu pilgrim. Not only that, Panch Kedar itself is located on beautiful valleys and mountains that make up for a breathtaking trip.

Before you travel to the Panch Kedar, you must understand why it’s so significant in the lives of Hindus and its history. Knowing these two aspects of such a place will make you feel more connected to the place and will make your trip successful.

Legend of Panch Kedar

In Panch Kedar, Panch means five, and Kedar means a glacial moraine or a natural rock formation. Among the many legends surrounding Panch Kedar, the most popular is the one related to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. During the Kurukshetra war, many killings and sins were committed by both Kauravas and Pandavas. After the war, the Pandavas wanted to atone for their sins and began their journey of finding Lord Shiva to get his blessings.

But since the war and the bloodshed had hurt Shiva, he took the form of Nandi and avoided the Pandavas by hiding in the Garhwal region. However, Bhima recognised Shiva and caught Nandhi by its hind legs and tail. But Lord Shiva, as a bull, disappeared into the ground and reappeared in parts in all the Panch Kedars.

These Panch Kedars are as follows:

• The head of the bull came in Kalpeshwar.
• The face in Rudranath.
• The stomach and nabhi in Madhyamaheshwar.
• The arms in Tunganath.
• The hump rising in Kedarnath.

History Behind Five of Mahadev’s Temples

The place where all the parts of Nandi had come up is now where all the five temples of Shiva are located. Each of these temples has its history, which is merged with the legends of the place. The prime among all the temples of Panch Kedar is the Kedarnath temple. It also is considered one of the jyotirlingas.

A jyotirlinga is considered a focalised embodiment of the energy of Lord Shiva. Around the world, twelve jyotirlingas exist, and each is considered the purest embodiment of Lord Shiva’s energy. The history of the Panch Kedar is interwoven with its legend. And such a combination has led to the pilgrimage of all five temples.

When you visit Panch Kedar, the five temples, you can also explore some of the top sights in Uttarakhand. Once you have visited the temples, you can also go trekking or hiking. Explore the beautiful meadows that surround some of these temples.

Significance of Panch Kedars

The significance of Panch Kedars comes from its importance in Hindu mythology. Its legend has attracted thousands of people since ancient times. Many believe that Panch Kedars existed even for a thousand years. If that is to be believed, then these temples are also proof of the architectural wonders made possible by the ancient people.

Panch Kedar holds value for its devotees and is beyond many temples. It is the holy ground upon whom Lord Shiva once traversed himself making it one of the most visited sacred pilgrimages among devotees. Panch Kedars history and significance rise from its legend and will remain significant even in later years.

Why Choose OYO Rooms for All Your Accommodation Needs?

Before you visit Panch Kedar, you must ensure that you have the required accommodations to meet your needs. OYO offers some of the best accommodations all over India. Before you visit the temples, you can go through the family hotels in Uttarakhand that might be close to the temples of Panch Kedar.

You can find many family hotels in Kedarnath with all the amenities you might need for a comfortable stay. Some of these hotels are also close to Kedarnath, making it great for going to and fro from the temple. With these hotels, you get many options for different kinds of rooms on different budgets.  

Moreover, when you book your hotel with OYO, you get exciting offers and discounts. OYO Rooms assures you of bringing only some of the safest hotels for adults and kids.

Conclusion

Before heading to Uttarakhand, you should have a proper travel plan for the days you will stay in the state. If you want to visit each temple, you need careful planning to cover more than just the temples. Uttarakhand is a beautiful state with a vast history. So make your plan, book accommodation, pack your bag, and embark on a journey of spirituality and nature’s divinity.