This Jyotirlinga is located in the Himalayan mountains, in the Gharwal district of Uttar Pradesh at an altitude of 3,581 metres, above sea level. Set amidst the stunning mountain-scape of the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath, at the head of the Mandakini River.. It is believed that this temple is very ancient, having renovations over the centuries. Nar Narayan the incarnation of Lord Vishnu has performed severe penance in Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand. He would regularly pray to the Shivirlinga and Lord Shiva used to be present there in the linga.

After some time Lord Ashutush appeared before Nar Narayan and said – I am very pleased with your undeterred faith and devotion, so you may ask a boon for yourself. Nar Narayan, said that if you are really pleased then O’ Devesha please assume form and reside here eternally so that all people who worship you shall be freed from their miseries. Granting the boon, Lord Shiva assumed form of a linga and was installed in Kedar Mountain. After that Nar Narayan worshipped him ardently and then after he was named Kedareshwar. By praying to Kedareshwar, one can get all his desires fulfilled.

How to reach ?

Kedarnath is 239 km from Dehradun of which the first 225 km is by road and the remaining 14 km is a trekking route. Rishikesh the last railhead is 221 km from Kedarnath This place is approximately 150 miles away from Haridwar and 132 miles north of Hrishikesh. Kedarnath is well connected by bus services to other centres in the region.