Located amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, Kedarnath is a town of immense spiritual significance and natural beauty in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters, this sacred town is revered as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees who visit annually to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva at the Kedarnath Temple.
Introduction to Kedarnath
Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage destination but also a place of profound natural beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and graced by the holy River Mandakini, the town offers a serene and tranquil environment for spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike. The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the focal point of the pilgrimage and is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame.
Importance of Dharamshalas During the Kedarnath Yatra
During the Kedarnath Yatra, which typically runs from April to November, pilgrims from all over India and the world undertake a journey of faith and devotion. The yatra involves trekking through rugged terrain and enduring varying weather conditions, making comfortable accommodation a necessity for pilgrims to rest and rejuvenate.
Dharamshalas play a crucial role in catering to the accommodation needs of pilgrims. These facilities provide not only a place to stay but also a spiritual and communal atmosphere where devotees can connect with like-minded individuals and share in the collective reverence for Lord Shiva.
List of Dharamshalas in Kedarnath
Here is a detailed look at some of the prominent dharamshalas (ashrams) in Kedarnath that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation options for pilgrims:
1. Gayatri Bhawan
Location: Gauri Kund - Kedarnath Dham Trekking Way, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, 246445Distance from Kedarnath Temple: 52 metersFacilities: Gayatri Bhawan is renowned for its convenient location near the Kedarnath Temple, offering comfortable and tidy rooms with basic amenities. Pilgrims can enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayas from this serene ashram. Transportation facilities to Gaurikund, located 12 kilometers away, are easily accessible.
2. Rajasthan Seva Sadan
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, 246445Distance from Kedarnath Temple: 50 metersFacilities: Rajasthan Seva Sadan provides peaceful accommodation services with spacious rooms and well-equipped facilities. In addition to comfortable lodging, the ashram also offers food services, ensuring that pilgrims have a convenient and satisfying stay near the holy shrine.
3. Gujarat Bhawan
Location: Kedarnath Road, Phata, Uttarakhand, 246471Facilities: Gujarat Bhawan, located in Phata Village, offers budget-friendly accommodation options for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath. The ashram provides comfortable rooms with essential amenities, making it a convenient stopover for travelers availing helicopter services from the nearby Phata helipad to Kedarnath.
4. Meerut Mandal and Mewar Sadan
Location: Gauri Kund - Kedarnath Trekking Way, Near Kedarnath Temple, Rudraprayag, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445Distance from Kedarnath Temple: 100 metersFacilities: Positioned just 100 meters from Kedarnath Temple and 12 kilometers from Gaurikund, Meerut Mandal and Mewar Sadan offer accessible and peaceful lodging options for pilgrims undertaking the Kedarnath Yatra.
5. Punjab Sindh Awas
Location: Main Market, Haryana Nagar Seva Sadan, Shri Satyanarayan Mandir, Chandani Chowk, near Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, 246445Distance from Kedarnath Temple: 100 metersFacilities: Punjab Sindh Awas provides budget-friendly accommodation with heavenly views of the surrounding landscapes. The ashram offers comfortable lodging with basic amenities and serves hygienic vegetarian food, ensuring pilgrims have a pleasant stay during their spiritual journey.
6. Jay Jalaram Ashram
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand, 246445Distance from Kedarnath Temple: 100 metersFacilities: Nestled amidst the Himalayas, Jay Jalaram Ashram is a budget-friendly accommodation option offering well-maintained rooms with essential amenities. Pilgrims can enjoy a peaceful environment and convenient access to Kedarnath Temple and Gaurikund.
7. Shri Swami Ramanand Sant Ashram
Location: Hanuman Gufa, Garudchatti, Gaurikund - Kedarnath Trekking Way, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, 246471Facilities: Shri Swami Ramanand Sant Ashram offers a serene retreat for individuals and families seeking a comfortable and peaceful stay. The ashram hosts a temple where daily prayers contribute to the spiritual ambiance, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims seeking a tranquil environment amidst nature.
8. Bharat Sevashram Sangha
Location: Beside Gauri Mata Temple, Gaurikund, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, 246445Distance from Kedarnath Temple: 15 kilometersFacilities: Bharat Sevashram Sangha provides budget accommodation facilities to individuals and groups visiting Kedarnath. The ashram offers clean and peaceful surroundings, ensuring a comfortable stay for pilgrims exploring the spiritual and natural beauty of the region.
9. Behl Ashram Hotel
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath, UttarakhandFacilities: Behl Ashram Hotel is a popular choice for pilgrims seeking budget-friendly accommodation near Kedarnath Temple. The ashram offers spacious double bedrooms suitable for families and vegetarian groups, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay during the pilgrimage.
Conclusion
The dharamshalas in Kedarnath play a vital role in accommodating pilgrims during their spiritual journey to the sacred Kedarnath Temple. Each ashram offers unique facilities and amenities designed to cater to the diverse needs of devotees seeking a comfortable and affordable stay amidst the serene Himalayan landscape.
These dharamshalas are the primary accommodation option available in Kedarnath, providing pilgrims with a range of choices from budget-friendly lodging to more spacious and well-equipped facilities, ensuring a fulfilling and memorable pilgrimage experience.
Pilgrims visiting Kedarnath are advised to plan their accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and make the most of their spiritual experience. Whether you choose Gayatri Bhawan for its proximity to the temple or Rajasthan Seva Sadan for its peaceful atmosphere, each dharamshala promises a memorable and fulfilling stay during your Kedarnath Yatra.
