Char Dham Yatra 2023: Bhim Shila, The Mysterious Boulder That Protects Kedarnath

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At an altitude of 3580 metres from the Sea level, in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas, rests the Kedarnath temple, which is one of the four sites of Char Dham pilgrimages and also a part of the Panchkedar temple complex.

It is the most important jyotirlinga of all the twelve jyotirlingas. Of the 275 Padal Petra sthalams this is the most important temple or sthalam. It is guarded by Lord Bhairav Nath who resides in a temple dedicated to him nearby.

The Devastating Outcome Of 2013 Deluge

If you are a curious observer, you would have already noticed a large boulder just thirty feet away from Kedarnath temple at the backside. This rock appeared from nowhere when the flash flood of 2013 devastated the entire area surrounding Kedarnath temple. Land and mudslides occurred almost at the same time around Kedarnath. From chorabari Tal down to Mandakini River, water gushed downwards at breakneck speed washing away everything that came on its way.

There was an accompanying rush of Silt, rocks and boulders to add to the fury. But nothing could damage the Kedarnath temple due to a huge boulder that came gliding down along with the waters to anchor itself 30 feet behind the temple. Invariably the torrents of Ganga had to take a deviation and the temple was saved from devastation.

After The Holocaust

When the holocaust was over, and sense descended into mother Earth, what remained was the debris and remains of surrounding structures, the Bhim Shila and the Kedarnath temple. People had gathered inside the Temple to save their lives for hours together till help arrived. Airlifting them to safer areas at the nick of time, our Indian army saved several lives. This temple was built by none other than Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. But the temple itself is more than 1200 years old, stands sturdy and unravaged. This rock is now known as divine rock of Bhima, or Bhim Shila which is 20 feet wide and 12 feet tall.

The Mystical Powers Of Bhim Shila

Could it be the handiwork of Lord Bhairav Nath who saved the situation or was it Lord Shiva's mighty will or Sankalpa that brought about this miracle? Lord knows the reason behind it. Everything to Know About Bhim Shila or God's Rock at Kedarnath. It is believed that Bhim Shila has magical powers to preserve the safety and sanctity of Kedarnath. People worship BhimShila for safeguarding them during crisis.

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