Kedarnath is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. According to the Hindu mythology, Kedarnath is one of the four Dhams or pilgrimage sites that are highly revered by the Hindus. It is believed that a visit to Kedarnath can help a person attain salvation or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The history of Kedarnath can be traced back to the Mahabharata era when it is believed that the Pandavas came to this region to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
 

According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, the five brothers who were the protagonists of the epic, wanted to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone for their sins. After the great war of Kurukshetra, in which they had fought against their own cousins, the Kauravas, they realized the magnitude of their actions and sought forgiveness. The Pandavas, along with their wife Draupadi, went on a pilgrimage to seek the blessings of various gods and goddesses.

They were advised to visit Kedarnath by Lord Krishna, which was then an isolated and inaccessible place located amidst the Himalayan mountains. To reach there, they had to cross several dangerous terrains, rivers and forests. It is said that the Pandavas had to disguise themselves as common pilgrims to avoid being recognized by their enemies.They traveled through the Himalayas and reached the Kedar Valley.

Upon reaching Kedarnath , they found Lord Shiva in the form of a bull. Lord Shiva, pleased with their devotion and penance, granted them his blessings and absolved them of their sins. He also granted them the boon of immortality, then Lord Shiva took the form of a unique rock that resembled the shape of Him. The Pandavas were very impressed with the natural beauty of the place and decided to build a temple in honor of Lord Shiva. They constructed a wooden temple at this location, And the Pandavas ascended to heaven, leaving behind their mortal bodies.

The wodden Kedarnath temple was later renovated by various kings over the centuries. The temple is now a stone structure that is situated at a height of 3,583 meters above sea level and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains, making it a challenging pilgrimage site even today.

Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and restorations, with the most recent one being after the devastating floods of 2013 that had caused significant damage to the temple and the surrounding areas. However, despite the challenges and difficulties faced, Kedarnath remains a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of Hindus around the world.
Apart from its religious significance, Kedarnath is also known for its scenic beauty. It is situated amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located nearby, is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Himalayan Black Bear

In conclusion, the history of Kedarnath as mentioned in the Mahabharata is a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of the Pandavas towards Lord Shiva. The temple of Kedarnath has survived for over a thousand years. The temple continues to be an important pilgrimage site and a popular tourist destination in India, attracting thousands of devotees every year, The temple is open only for six months a year, from May to November, due to extreme weather conditions in the region during the rest of the year. It is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy of India.