In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is revered through the twelve Jyotirlingas, among which Kedarnath Dham holds a significant place. It is considered the 11th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. It is believed that a visit to Kedarnath fulfills all the wishes of devotees, as the presence of Lord Shiva is felt in every particle of this divine place. The main deity here is worshipped in the form of a majestic Shivling. Kedarnath Dham is where the divine meets the devotee, drawing a large number of pilgrims each year who brave all odds to seek darshan of Bholenath.
Kedarnath Dham and Its Spiritual Significance
Among the five pilgrimages (Panch Kedar) dedicated to Lord Shiva in the country, Kedarnath Dham is considered the most supreme. It is believed that Baba (Lord Shiva) grants every wish of the devotee who visits with a pure heart. Particularly, Baba at Kedarnath is known to absolve devotees of all their sins. It is said that just by the darshan (sight) of Kedarnath Dham, people attain salvation, transcending worldly pleasures to attain direct entry into heaven. According to the Linga Purana, those who reside near Kedarkund after renouncing worldly life become akin to Lord Shiva himself.
Why Kedarnath Darshan is Incomplete Without Pashupatinath Connection
Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is intricately connected with Pashupatinath in Nepal. The darshan (viewing) of Kedarnath is deemed incomplete without Pashupatinath. It is believed that while Kedarnath houses the body of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath in Nepal hosts his face. The act of seeing Pashupatinath is considered crucial to reap the benefits of seeing Kedarnath. In both places, Lord Shiva is worshipped in forms symbolized by the horn of a bull in Kedarnath and the face of a bull in Pashupatinath.
Connection Between Kedarnath and Pashupatinath
According to mythological stories, during the Mahabharata war, Lord Shiva was greatly angered by the bloodshed among relatives. To seek forgiveness, the Pandavas traveled to Kashi. However, finding Shiva gone, they followed him to Kedarnath. When they finally caught up, Bhima grabbed hold of the bull form that Shiva had assumed. During this struggle, Shiva's face got detached and appeared elsewhere, becoming known as Pashupatinath in Nepal. This spot became revered over time, known for its own spiritual significance.
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