Kedarnath Temple: Ancient Architecture at 3,583 Metres

Kedarnath temple, in Rudraprayag district at 3,583m altitude near the source of the Mandakini river, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (sacred abodes of Shiva) and part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. The temple, built in heavy grey stone without mortar, has stood since at least the 8th century CE (attributed to Adi Shankaracharya) in an extraordinarily harsh mountain environment of deep snow, glacial winds, and seismic activity. The structure's remarkable durability against centuries of Himalayan weather is attributed both to the exceptional quality of the stone masonry and to a large natural boulder behind the temple that diverts avalanches. During the June 2013 Uttarakhand flood disaster, the temple structure survived while nearly everything around it was destroyed, further enhancing its spiritual significance. The annual Kedarnath Yatra (May to November) attracts over 500,000 pilgrims.