Kedarnath

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Kedarnath Kedarkhand
Town
A view of Kedarnath
Kedarnath Location in Uttarakhand, India Show map of Uttarakhand Kedarnath Kedarnath (India) Show map of India
Coordinates: 30°44′N 79°04′E / 30.73°N 79.07°E / 30.73; 79.07
Country	India
State	Uttarakhand
District	Rudraprayag
Named after	Kedarnath Temple
Government
• Type	Nagar Panchayat
• Body	Kedarnath Nagar Panchayat
Area
• Total	2.75 km2 (1.06 sq mi)
Elevation	3,583 m (11,755 ft)
Population  (2011)
• Total	612
• Density	220/km2 (580/sq mi)
Language
• Official	Hindi[1]
• Additional official	Sanskrit[2][3]
• Regional	Garhwali
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	246445
Vehicle registration	UK-13
Website	badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in

Kedarnath is a town and Nagar Panchayat in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, known primarily for the Kedarnath Temple. It is approximately 86.5 kilometres from Rudraprayag, the district headquarters. Kedarnath is the most remote of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is located in the Himalayas, about 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level near the Chorabari Glacier, which is the source of the Mandakini River. The town is flanked by snow-capped peaks, most prominently the Kedarnath Mountain. The nearest road head is at Gaurikund about 16 km away. The town suffered extensive destruction during June 2013 from the flash floods caused by torrential rains in Uttarakhand.^[4]

The name "Kedarnath" means "the Lord of the Field". It is derived from the Sanskrit words kedara ("field") and natha ("lord"). The text Kashi Kedara Mahatmya states that it is so-called because "the crop of liberation" grows here.^[5]

Kedarnath is a pilgrimage site or tirtha dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. It is one of the four pilgrimage spots that form a part of the Uttarkhand Char Dham yatra or Chota Char Dham yatra.^[6] The temple's construction is credited to the Pandava brothers mentioned in the Mahabharata.^[7][8] However, the Mahabharata does not mention any place called Kedarnath. One of the earliest references to Kedarnath occurs in the Skanda Purana (c. 7th-8th century), which names Kedara (Kedarnath) as the place where Shiva released the holy waters of Ganga from his matted hair, resulting in the formation of the Ganges River.^[9]

The Acharyas rebuilt the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand under the guidance of Adi Shankaracharya. According to the hagiographies based on Madhava's Sankshepa-Shankara-Vijaya, the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya died near the Kedarnath mountains; although other hagiographies, based on Anandagiri's Prachina-Shankara-Vijaya, state that he died at Kanchipuram. The ruins of a monument marking the purported resting place of Adi Shankaracharya are located at Kedarnath.^[10] Kedarnath was a prominent pilgrimage centre by the 12th century when it is mentioned in Kritya-kalpataru written by the Gahadavala minister Bhatta Lakshmidhara.^[11]

Kedarnath is located at a distance of 223 km from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and close to the source of the Mandakini River at the height of 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level.^[12] The township is built on a barren stretch of land on the shores of Mandakini River. Behind the town and the Kedarnath Temple, stands Kedarnath peak at 6,940 m (22,769 ft), the Kedar Dome at 6,831 m (22,411 ft) and other peaks of the range.^[12][13]

As of the 2011 India census,^[14] Kedarnath has a population of 830. Males constitute 99% of the population and females 1%.^[15] Kedarnath has an average literacy rate of 63%: male literacy is 63%, and female literacy is 36%. Out of total population, 604 were engaged in work or business activity. Of this 601 were males while 3 were females.^[15] In Kedarnath, none of the population is under six years of age. The floating population from May to October every year is more than 5000 per day with the pilgrim influx rising up to 10 lakhs in 2022.^[16]

The Kedarnath Temple is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. For six months, from November to April, the palanquin with the Utsava Murti (Idol) of Kedarnath and of the Madhyamaheshwar Temple is brought to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, near Guptakashi. Priests and other summer-time residents also move to nearby villages to cope with the winter. Around 360 families of the Tirtha Purohit of 55 villages and other nearby villages are dependent on the town for livelihood.^[17] According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, Kedarnath's climate is monsoon-influenced subarctic climate (Dwc), bordering a uniform rainfall subarctic climate (Dfc) with mild, rainy summers and cold, snowy winters.

On 16 June 2013, at approximately 7:30 P.M., a landslide occurred near the Kedarnath Temple. On 17 June 2013 at approximately 6:40 a.m., water began to rush down from the Chorabari Tal or Gandhi Sarovar, bringing along with its flow, a huge amount of silt, rocks, and boulders. A large boulder got stuck behind the Kedarnath Temple, protecting it from the flood. The floodwater gushed on both sides of the temple, destroying everything in its path.^[19][20] Since it occurred in the middle of the pilgrimage season, the torrential rains, cloud bursts, and resulting flash floods nearly destroyed the town of Kedarnath.^[21] Thousands of people were killed, and thousands of others (mostly pilgrims) were reported missing or stranded due to landslides around Kedarnath. Although the surrounding area and compound of the Kedarnath Temple were destroyed, the temple itself survived.^[22][23]

The rescue operation resulted in more than 100,000 people being airlifted with the help of mainly the Private Helicopter Operators, who began the rescue mission voluntarily without any clear directives from the State Government or the Ministry of Defence. The Indian Army and Indian Air Force helicopters arrived much after the Private Helicopter Operators had already begun the massive air-rescue mission. The NDRF represented by a commandant, and another junior officer arrived at the 'right-ridge' of the town bordering the Mandakini River with more men and supplies being brought in the next day. The Indian Army later launched a massive rescue effort. A Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, each, of the private helicopter operators - Prabhatam Aviation & Simm Samm Aviation, were lost during the rescue mission without any reported casualties. An Indian Air Force helicopter (Mil Mi-17) also crashed, killing all 20 people on board (all of them were soldiers involved in relief and rescue work). The Air Force dropped logs to build pyres for mass cremations of the victims.^[21] It was reported that previously uncollected bodies were still being found one year after the tragedy.^[24]

After the floods, the Government of India decided to provide a flood-free infrastructure plan for the town. This involves:

• Development of the retaining wall and ghats on the Mandakini River
• Development of the retaining wall and ghats on the Sarasvati River
• Construction of the main approach to the Kedarnath Temple
• Development of the Adi Shankaracharya Kutir and Museum
• Development of houses for the Kedarnath Teerth Purohits

The foundation stone for the plan was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 October 2017.

The master plan for the redevelopment of Kedarnath after the 2013 floods was prepared by INI Design Studio, a multi-disciplinary design firm based in India. INI Design Studio was also responsible for conceptualization and installation of Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi behind the temple.^[25] The redevelopment master plan, led by architect Jayesh Hariyani, has been awarded the IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Platinum certification as a Green Hill Habitat. The project is directly overseen by Prime Minister's office (PMO) under the guidance of Hon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kedarnath is a part of Smart Cities Mission initiative. Hence the redevelopment plan includes infrastructural development through the principals of sustainability and smart solutions or technology. ^[26]

1. Innovative use of open space: The Kedarnath master plan integrates public and semi-public open spaces to support pilgrims and residents, fostering social interaction and providing respite. Semi-public courtyards between housing clusters offer shared access for residents. Shiv Udyan is a memorial park being designed behind the temple, to honor lives lost in the 2013 floods. Jointly developed by the National Museum Institute and NCSM, it uses only landslide-displaced boulders and native vegetation, preserving the site's ecological sensitivity without new construction materials.
2. Visible improvements in the Area: Before the 2013 disaster, unplanned growth had obscured the temple's visibility. The calamity severely affected nearby structures, prompting a redevelopment masterplan focused on restoring the temple's visual prominence. Visitors can now see the temple from the arrival plaza, aided by height restrictions along the central axis to limit nearby building heights. A cluster planning strategy aligns structures with site topography and natural water flow, enhancing flood resilience and maintaining access. Uniform spacing—10m between parallel buildings and 3m between adjacent ones—and open courtyards promote organized development. The master plan is being implemented in parcels according to the site's slope, using a terrace development method to harmonize with the natural terrain.
3. Pedestrian friendly pathways and Non-motorized transport: As a major pilgrimage destination, Kedarnath has been reimagined as a pedestrian-first town to enhance accessibility, safety, and spiritual experience. The redevelopment plan prioritizes non-motorized movement by eliminating the need for vehicles within the core settlement. A universally accessible, barrier-free primary pathway leads to the temple, allowing a comfortable 8–10 minute walk even during peak hours. This pathway adheres to inclusive design standards and has integrated urban furniture—benches, lighting fixtures, waste bins, planters, and sculptures—enhancing both utility and visual appeal. The masterplan, based on cluster planning and a network of interconnected open spaces, emphasizes unrestricted access to all parts of the settlement without the need for motorized transport, supporting seamless movement for both residents and pilgrims throughout the town.
4. Water Supply, Wastewater Recycling & Storm Water Reclamation: According to the calculated water demand of approximately 750,000litres per day for the Kedarnath redevelopment project, the proposed water source is either the Sarasvati or Mandakini River, selected based on feasibility studies. To manage silt loading, the water supply system is designed to fulfil the site water demand.

• Subsurface installation: Pipelines are planned to be buried below the frost line to avoid exposure to freezing conditions.
• Insulation: All exposed water supply pipes are designed with appropriate insulation using materials such as fiberglass, nitrile rubber, or polyethylene, protected with weather-resistant coatings.
• Leakage faucet system: A slight continuous flow of water is proposed to prevent freezing—a conventional and feasible method for such climates.
• Heat tracing: Electrical heat tracing using induced current wiring is proposed for branch connections, especially for residential units and public toilets with hot and cold-water supply. In terms of wastewater management, an estimated 6,00,000 litres per day of wastewater is planned to be treated using an electrocoagulation process.

5. Sanitation & Solid Waste Management:

• The solid waste generation from the new developments is estimated to be around 4000 kg in which the organic waste generation is around 1500kg and which is proposed to be composted by an electric based composter machine. Treated compost waste to be handled by the local authority or near site farming area.

• A bio-digester system is proposed to process up to 600,000 liters of organic waste daily. Strategically located bins and a transport network are planned to move waste to centralized units. For solid waste treatment, technologies such as the Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) and Composters have been evaluated. Comprehensive sanitation and sewage systems, including a pumping station and a dedicated waste processing facility, are planned around the temple and town to address current challenges and support peak pilgrimage loads.

6. Robust IT connectivity & digitalization: Optical Fiber Network is proposed for IT connectivity. Wifi access points are planned across the town. Smart poles are planned across the town that integrate Wi-Fi access points, speakers/PA system and CCTV. This will be monitored in the central control room.

7. Energy efficient street lighting: Energy efficient LED light fixtures are proposed, designed so as to minimize lighting pollution. Copper XLPE cables will be used to connect each luminaire, laid within DWC (double wall corrugated) pipes for protection. The lighting controls are planned to be zoned, enabling distributed management across different areas.

8. Intelligent Traffic Management: Pilgrim movement is directed along defined pathways that connect key public areas such as the temple plaza, Sarasvati Ghat, and other communal nodes. Wayfinding is supported by clear signage throughout the area. While the core of the town remains pedestrian-focused, emergency, medical, and logistical services utilize the outer periphery via battery-operated or electronic vehicles, such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Access for VIPs is managed via the existing helipad infrastructure.

9. Disaster Management: Given Kedarnath’s vulnerability to earthquakes and floods, a community-level disaster risk reduction plan has been introduced. It focuses on training local volunteers—designated as champions or marshals—to strengthen preparedness. Key civil infrastructure such as retaining walls, embankments, and disaster shelters are planned to reduce the impact of natural calamities. Open courtyards within residential clusters double as refuge areas, linked to a central access axis for efficient evacuation. These spaces can accommodate up to 15,000 people during emergencies like earthquakes or fires.

10. Sustainable Development: The Kedarnath redevelopment places strong emphasis on sustainability through the use of locally sourced construction materials that reflect the region’s natural character and preserve its visual identity. Color palettes and textures have been chosen to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. To reduce environmental impact, the use of plastic within the settlement has been strictly prohibited, minimizing pollution and non-recyclable waste. These efforts, combined with a focus on ecological sensitivity and resource efficiency, have earned Kedarnath the IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Platinum certification as a Green Hill Habitat.

11. Socio-Economic Development: The Kedarnath redevelopment plan integrates social inclusivity with economic revitalization to foster a resilient and self-sustaining community. A barrier-free design ensures universal accessibility, prioritizing the needs of persons with disabilities, women, and children. Public safety is enhanced through an IP-based CCTV surveillance system installed along key areas like the ghat, arrival plaza, and central street. These cameras, mounted on smart poles and connected via OFC/copper cables, are monitored 24/7 from a centralized control center.

Economically, the plan is designed to promote a "Live and Work" model by integrating commercial opportunities into the urban fabric. Retail spaces at the ground floors of residential buildings, public plazas, and activity zones along the ghat are designed to generate income and support local livelihoods. The inclusion of guest houses and bed-and-breakfast accommodations will further support tourism and job creation, contributing to the broader economic growth of the region. This holistic approach aims to empower the local population while creating a safe, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kedarnath.

Other than the Kedarnath Temple, on the eastern side of the town is Bhairavnath Temple,^[12] and the deity of this temple, Bhairavnath, is believed to protect the town during the winter months. About 6 km upstream from the town, lies Chorabari Tal, a glacier-lake also called Gandhi Sarovar.^[12] Near Kedarnath, there is a cliff called Bhairav Jhamp.^[12] Other places of interest include the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, and Rudra meditation cave.^[27]

• 
  Kedarnath in the 1860s, with the temple being the prominent structure.
• 
  Lord Bhairavnath is considered as the Protector God of the area
• 
  The Kedarnath Temple in 2014, one year after the floods.
• 
  The Mandakini River on the bank of the town

• Kedarnath (mountain)
• Badrinath
• 2013 North India floods

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dhallapiccola

• Official website
• Media related to Kedarnath at Wikimedia Commons
• Kedarnath travel guide from Wikivoyage