Category: Peaks of Uttarakhand

Mythology About Gaumukh peak

Gaumukh, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality. It’s the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier and is considered the source of the Bhagirathi River, which eventually merges with the Alaknanda River to form the holy Ganges River.
One of the most popular myths associated with Gaumukh is its connection to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Ganges River originally flowed in heaven and was brought down to earth by Lord Shiva to alleviate the suffering of humanity.
Gaumukh, which translates to “cow’s mouth” in Hindi, derives its name from the shape of the glacier, which resembles a cow’s mouth. It’s said that the Ganges emerges from a cavern shaped like a cow’s mouth at the snout of the glacier. The water that flows from Gaumukh is considered extremely sacred by Hindus, and many pilgrims undertake arduous journeys to reach this spot to bathe in its icy waters and perform religious rites.

Kedarnath Peak In Garhwal

Kedarnath Peak is indeed located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India.As mentioned earlier, it is situated near the sacred Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered highly sacred in Hinduism.Kedarnath Peak is part of the Gangotri Group of mountains, which includes several other prominent peaks like Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi. It is known for its challenging climbing routes, attracting mountaineers and adventurers from around the world. The first ascent of Kedarnath Peak was made in 1947 by a Swiss team led by André Roch. Since then, various expeditions have been undertaken to conquer its summit.

The region around Kedarnath Peak offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, making it a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts.

Mythology About Kedarnath Peak

The mythology surrounding Kedarnath Peak is intricately linked to the story of the Pandavas, the central characters of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is believed that after the great Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to absolve themselves of the sins they had committed during the war.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva, unwilling to forgive them immediately, assumed the form of a bull and fled to Kedarnath to evade them. The Pandavas, determined to seek redemption, pursued Lord Shiva, who eventually decided to hide in the form of a bull’s body parts. It is said that the hump of the bull appeared at Kedarnath, while the other parts manifested at different locations, collectively known as the Panch Kedar (five Kedars).