Following Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavnath Temple is one of the most visited temples in Kedarnath. The primary gana or assistant of Shiva is said to be the god Bhairav, to whom this temple is devoted. Kshetrapal, or the protector of the area, is another name for the temple’s god. Legend has it that the deity of the temple guards both the main temple area and the entire Kedarnath valley when Kedarnath Temple closes for the winter because of excessive snowfall. There is a 500-meter hike between Kedarnath Temple and Bhairavnath Temple. The location provides breathtaking views of the whole Kedarnath Valley and the Kedarnath Temple.
Location
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Bhairavnath Temple is located on a hillock closer to the northern side of Kedarnath Temple, 500 meters apart. The elevation of this location is 3400 meters above sea level. Since Bhairavnath is thought to be responsible for protecting this region and Kedarnath during the winter, it is known as Kshetrapal. This location is well-known because it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valley and the shrine of Kedarnath. Kedarnath Temple and Bhairav Nath Temple are separated by the Mandakini River, which flows from the mountain, adding to the area’s beauty.
How To Reach
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By Flight: The closest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 238 kilometres away.
By Train: Rishikesh is the closest train station to Kedarnath. On NH58, the Rishikesh train station is located 216 kilometres ahead of Kedarnath. Railway networks provide excellent connections between Rishikesh and India’s main cities.
By Road: The distance between the Bhairavnath and Kedarnath temples is only one kilometre. The trip from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16 kilometres long.
Places To Visit In And Around Bhairavnath Temple
The temple of Bhairavnath is a tiny stone building with a wooden door and a shikara (tower). The following five locations in Uttarakhand are close to the temple:
1. Kedarnath Temple
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One of the most well-known temples among India’s twelve Jyotirlingas, or Panch Kedar, is this one. It is also a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra and Do Dham Yatra. Every year, millions of pilgrims travel to the Kedarnath temple to ask Lord Shiva for his blessings. There is a strong belief that Lord Shiva still retreats to the temple of Kedarnath to absolve devotees of their sins and grant them pleasure and prosperity in life. This place is also referred to as a mystery.
Distance From The Temple: 0.5 km
Best Time To Visit: September to November and April to June
2. Triyuginarayan Temple
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Triyuginarayan Temple is another important location close to the temple. In the presence of various dignitaries, Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati were wedded there. Because of the temple’s eternal fire, which is thought to have burned for the last three yugas—the Satyug, Dwaparyug, and Treta Yug—it is also known as Akhand Dhuni Temple. About 40 kilometres separate Triyuginarayan Temple and Bhairav Nath Mandir, which is close to Kedarnath Temple.
Distance From The Temple: 40 km
Best Time To Visit: September to November and April to June
3. Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
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If you’re interested in scriptures, customs, culture, etc., you can’t afford to miss this location’s other beauty, the samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya. Here is where the mortal remains of Adi Shankaracharya are said to have been interred. During his tour to Uttarakhand, Adi Shankaracharya is credited with building the temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath. Kedarnath Temple is only 100 meters away from Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, while Bhairavnath Temple is roughly 600 meters distant.
Distance From The Temple: 0.1 km
Best Time To Visit: September to November and April to June
4. Vasuki Tal
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The state of Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath is home to the stunning natural lake known as Vasuki Tal. A Himalayan peak, which is 4,150 meters above sea level, encircles this lake. It is possible to hike to Vasuki Tal from Kedarnath. According to tradition, this natural lake is called Vasuki Tal because it is thought that Lord Vishnu bathed in its water. Around the lake, the lovely Brahma Kamal and other Himalayan flowers bloom, adding to the area’s beauty and grace. The Chaukhamba peaks may be seen majestically from the Vasuki Tal
Distance From The Temple: 8 km
Best Time To Visit: September to November and April to June
5. Chorabari Tal
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Chorabari Tal, commonly called Gandhi Sarovar, is a stunning natural setting. On the mouth of the glacier known as Chorabari Bamak sits Chorabari Tal. This little lake has stunning, naturally occurring crystal water. It provides breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the area. It is stated that the tal was given the name Gandhi Sarovar because, following Mahatma Gandhi’s death in 1948, the ashes of his bones were reportedly buried here. Mythology states that the Saptrshis learned yoga here from Lord Shiva.
Distance From The Temple: 3 km
Best Time To Visit: September to November and April to June
Where To Stay
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Within a kilometre of the temple in Kedarnath are all of the hotels, dorms, and Dharamshalas. One of the ideal lodgings in Kedarnath are Hazari Bhavan, located about a hundred meters from the temple of Bhairavnath, Hazari Bhavan provides family accommodations and four and five-bed non-air-conditioned rooms. It’s the perfect spot for gatherings. Among their many facilities are meals, CCTV cameras, hot water, and potable water. Flexible check-in and check-out periods at 10 AM and 9 AM are also available to you. Kedarnath Helipad is 600 meters away from Surya Sadan Guest House, while the Trek Start point (Gaurikund) is around 100 meters away.
What To Eat
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Every dish in the treasure hunt of Kedarnath cuisine is seasoned with Himalayan spices and served with a side dish of spirituality, making it a sort of adventure. A diverse glimpse of the region’s historical culture can be gained through food, which includes both sweet delicacies and timeless Himalayan cuisine. Some of the well-liked dishes that visitors to the temple just must eat are Aloo Ke Gutke, Kumaoni, Kode ki Roti, Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Thenchwani. Kedarnath Bhojanalaya, located in the centre of Kedarnath’s main bazaar, serves a broad range of vegetarian foods that are catered to the tastes of both pilgrims and tourists.
Best Time To Visit
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The months of April through June and September through November are the ideal times of year to visit the temple. The greatest and most fun times to travel here are during these months. The trip here is closed for six months during the winter. The temperature here is frigid throughout the winter months. The temperature here drops significantly throughout the winter months due to the heavy snowfall. It is a little challenging to travel out of here due to the strong rains that cause landslides throughout the rainy season.
Tips For Travellers
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- You must have a valid form of identification, such as an Aadhaar card, driver’s licence, passport, or voter ID, in order to enter the temple.
- When travelling to Kedarnath Dham, please bring warm jackets, complete body raincoats, high-quality waterproof hiking shoes, and all of your prescription medications.
- In Kedarnath, it is completely forbidden to consume alcohol or non-vegetarian cuisine.
- Eat wholesome snacks like energy bars, dried fruits, and almonds to fuel your body. Incorporate meals high in protein and complex carbohydrates into your diet.
- Carrying a portable oxygen cylinder is advised, particularly if you have respiratory or cardiac issues.
An essential component of the Kedarnath pilgrimage, the Bhairavnath Temple welcomes thousands of people each year. In Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region sits the Hindu holy site of Bhairavnath. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the temple provides a calm and serene setting for prayer and meditation. Anyone visiting Kedarnath and hoping to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Bhairav must go there. Plan a trip TripXL and have a spiritual experience.
Cover Photo: ImagesofIndia / Shutterstock