Description

The story of Kedareshwar continues with Lord Shiva being deeply moved by the unwavering sincerity and devotion of Vashisht. As a result, Lord Shiva manifested as Kedareshwar in Kashi (Varanasi) and conveyed to Vashisht that performing worship at Kedareshwar in Kashi would yield seven times greater spiritual merit (punya) compared to worshiping at Kedareshwar in the Himalayas. This account is documented in Kashi Khand, Chapter 77.In the historical references from Kashi Khand, locations such as Gauri Kund, Hans Teerth, and Manasarovar Teerth are associated with Kedareshwar, but presently, only Gauri Kund remains in existence. Both Manasarovar and Hans Teerth have since dried up.

A significant tradition related to Kedareshwar involves observing a vrath (fast) during the Chaitra Month (March 20 to April 20) on Shukla Paksha Chaturdasi (the 14th day of the lunar fortnight) and breaking the fast on the following Poornima day (full moon day) after performing the pooja of Kedareshwar. This practice is in line with the account in Kashi Khand, where Vashisht used to offer prayers to Lord Kedareshwar on Chaitra Poornima days.

Kashi (Varanasi) is divided into three Khands: Omkar Khand, Vishweshwar Khand, and Kedar Khand. It is believed that a person who passes away in Kashi attains Mukti (spiritual liberation). However, it is further believed that if a person passes away in the area governed by Kedar Khand, they achieve immediate Mukti, while in the other two Khands, there may be some hardships to be faced.

On a broader scale, there are twelve Jyotirlingas across India, and there are twelve significant Shiva Lingas in Kashi (Varanasi) representing these twelve Jyotirlingas. Kedareshwar, located in Varanasi, is worshipped as Kedareshwar Jyotirling (representing the Kedareshwar Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand).

Notes:

• The temple’s daily schedule for worship is from 3:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• The day begins with the Mangala Aarti at 3:15 a.m., followed by the 2nd Aarti at 10:00 a.m., the 3rd Aarti at 5:30 p.m., and the Shayan Aarti at 10:30 p.m. It’s important to note that these timings may vary depending on the season.
• Several important days are observed at the temple, including Ekadasi, Pradosham, and Poornima days.
• Additionally, there is an annual ritual called Anna Abhishek, during which the Shiv Ling is covered with cooked rice.
• It is believed that conducting Shraaddh ceremonies on Amavasya (new moon day) that falls on a Tuesday at Kedar Ghat is also very auspicious.
• The temple’s poojas and rituals are administered by the Kumaraswamy Mutt of Tamil Nadu. If you wish to arrange special poojas or other rituals, it’s advisable to consult with the Poojari (temple priest) in advance for guidance and arrangements.

 All our Pandits are highly experienced and have studied at Vedic Patashala. 

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