Kedarnath temple is situated in which state?
VerifiedAnswer: Uttarakhand
Explanation:
The sacred Kedarnath temple is located in the state of Uttarakhand, nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas. This ancient temple stands at an impressive altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest Hindu temples in the world.
Kedarnath is situated in the Kedarnath district of Uttarakhand, close to the Chorabari Glacier, which is the source of the Mandakini River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds immense religious significance as it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and forms part of the famous Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage circuit.
Uttarakhand, formerly known as Uttaranchal until 2007, was carved out as a separate state from Uttar Pradesh in the year 2000. The state is often called "Devbhoomi" or "Land of the Gods" because it houses numerous sacred temples and pilgrimage sites, including the four holy dhams - Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
The temple's location in Uttarakhand makes it accessible through a challenging trek of approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, which is the nearest motorable point. The journey to Kedarnath takes pilgrims through breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayan region, including snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine mountain streams.
Due to its high altitude location in Uttarakhand, the temple remains open only for about six months each year, typically from April/May to October/November, depending on weather conditions. During winter months, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall, and the deity is moved to Ukhimath for worship.
