Kedarnath Temple harbors numerous mysteries, one of the most significant being the Akhand Jyoti, an eternal flame that continues to burn even after the temple doors are closed. This mystery captivates devotees and strengthens their faith.
Kedarnath Yatra 2025: The Char Dham Yatra has commenced. The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri opened on May 1st for devotees, and on May 2nd, with special prayers at Brahma Muhurta, the Kedarnath Dham doors will also open. This pilgrimage is a center of faith for millions annually, but are you aware of a miraculous mystery associated with the Kedarnath Temple, one that transcends scientific understanding? Yes, we're referring to Kedarnath's Akhand Jyoti, which burns continuously for six months even after the temple doors are closed.
Kedarnath: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath Temple is nestled amidst towering mountains in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered one of his twelve sacred Jyotirlingas. In Hinduism, Jyotirlingas are regarded as highly sacred and powerful. Each Jyotirlinga represents a unique form of Lord Shiva, and in Kedarnath, his "Kedar" form is worshipped.
Kedarnath Temple is situated at an altitude of approximately 11,700 feet above sea level. Devotees must ascend several kilometers to reach it, yet people come here with immense devotion and faith. It is believed that a darshan (sight) at this temple absolves one of all sins and grants salvation (moksha). This is why lakhs of devotees from India and abroad visit Kedarnath every year.
Another unique aspect is that the temple remains closed for six months during winter due to heavy snowfall. However, when the doors reopen, the divinity and serenity touch everyone's heart.
Akhand Jyoti: The Divine Miracle of Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Temple is not merely a religious site; it's also a home to miracles and mysteries. The most enigmatic aspect is the Akhand Jyoti, an eternal flame that burns for six months without extinguishing—even while the temple doors remain closed and the entire area is covered in snow.
Every year, at the start of winter, when the temple doors are closed, a special four-part prayer service is performed. After this puja, a lamp (Jyoti) is lit. Notably, only an amount of ghee (clarified butter) equal to the lamp's size is used. Afterward, the temple doors are closed, and no one remains inside.
The miracle begins here. Six months later, when the doors reopen, the same lamp is found burning, as if someone had added ghee daily. There's no smoke, nor any sign of it being extinguished. The priests believe that when the temple doors are closed, the deities themselves come and perform puja, replenishing the lamp's ghee; hence, it never extinguishes.
This miracle deepens the faith of every devotee. Many consider it the grace of Lord Shiva, who wishes to show his devotees that he is always with them—regardless of whether the temple doors are closed or the path is arduous.
The Belief Behind This Mystery?
A very old and sacred belief surrounds Kedarnath Temple's Akhand Jyoti. When the temple doors are closed in winter, no human remains inside. However, local priests and sevaks (servants) say that during this time, the deities themselves come to the temple and perform prayers.
Furthermore, people believe that these divine powers add ghee to the lamp daily, allowing it to burn for six months without extinguishing. Even amidst such cold and snowfall, a continuously burning flame can only be called a miracle of faith.
Devotees believe this Akhand Jyoti signifies that Lord Shiva resides there and listens to every prayer of his devotees. This belief strengthens people's faith and draws them closer to God.
Char Dham Yatra 2025:
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a pilgrimage; it's an experience of spiritual peace and divine communion. The four main shrines of this pilgrimage are:
Yamunotri – The source of the Yamuna River
Gangotri – The sacred source of the Ganges River
Kedarnath – The divine Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
Badrinath – The magnificent temple of Lord Vishnu
Names and Locations of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
The twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are considered extremely sacred in Hinduism. These are places where Lord Shiva appeared in a special form to grant darshan to his devotees. It is said that visiting these Jyotirlingas absolves all sins and grants salvation (moksha). These 12 Jyotirlingas include: Somnath (Gujarat), Mallikarjun (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Vaidyanath (Jharkhand), Bhimasankar, Trimbakeshwar, and Grishneshwar (Maharashtra), Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu), Nageshwar (Gujarat), Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh), and Kedarnath (Uttarakhand). Lord Shiva is worshipped with special reverence at all these places, and lakhs of devotees visit for darshan every year. It is believed that a devotee who visits all twelve Jyotirlingas gains immense merit and receives special grace from Lord Shiva.
