Is there no Shivling but Jyoti in Kedarnath? Mystery revealed:

Kedarnath: Kedarnath, the holy shrine located in the lap of the Himalayas, has the highest place among the 'twelve Jyotirlingas'. Every year lakhs of devotees come here to have darshan of Lord Shiva, but one question has been resonating in the minds of devotees and scholars for years, is Shivlinga worshipped in Kedarnath or is Lord Shiva himself present here in the 'Jyoti Roop'?

It is mentioned in the scriptures, Puranas and local folklore that the body-shaped rock worshipped in Kedarnath is not the traditional Shivlinga but is a symbol of the luminous form of Shiva. Its secret is explained in detail in Skanda Purana and some tantric texts.

Before knowing this secret, it is very important to understand that the word 'Jyotirlinga' is not just a shape, but an indication of the self-manifestation of Adishakti, and Kedarnath is considered to be the center of this divinity. The doors of Kedarnath Dham are going to open on 2 May 2025.

This abode of Shiva is said to be the center of salvation from sins. The glory of Kedarnath is described in Skanda Purana. Let us know the secret of Kedarnath Dham which makes this divine place not just a pilgrimage but also the most mysterious abode among the gods.

Importance of Kedarnath in Skanda Purana

The history of this Shiva Dham is connected to Lord Vishnu's incarnation Nar-Narayan, Pandavas and Aadiguru Shankaracharya. In Skanda Purana and Vishnu Purana, Kedarnath Dham is said to be the resting place of Lord Shankar. It is said that Lord Shiva rests at this place.

It is said in Kedarkhand that, 'Akritva Darshanam Vaishvay Kedarsyaghnashinah, Yo Gachched Badari Tasya Yatra Nishphalatam Vrajet' i.e. if someone travels to Badrinath area without having darshan of Lord Kedarnath, then his journey becomes futile.

In 'Skanda Purana', Lord Shankar says to Mother Parvati, 'O Praneshwari! This area is as ancient as I am. I attained Parabrahmatva in the form of Brahma to create the universe at this place, since then this place is my well-known abode. This Kedarkhand is like heaven on earth because it is my eternal abode.'

Shiva in the form of light in Kedarnath

Jyotirlinga means the manifestation of Lord Shiva in the form of light. There are twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, it is believed that Lord Shiva is present in the form of light, due to this these 12 Dhams are called Jyotirlinga. Shivlingas are established by humans, some are self-created as well. It is said that wherever there is a Jyotirlinga, Lord Shiva himself has appeared there and appeared there in the form of a light.