Chronicles of Kedarkantha

Chapter 1: The Forgotten Path

Well before trekkers arrived, with their boots and backpacks, the region was home to shepherds and sages.

Villagers of Sankri village, considered Kedardkantha to be a living deity — a protector who ensured nature and gods were in harmony.

Our ancestors still believe and Still tells story that : 

The lord Shiva came here to rest after having fought the great war of Mahabharata. He went to sit on the mountain to meditate quietly.

But one night, the villagers noticed something: a flash of light on top. They believed it was a forest fire! They came running to extinguish it, water and drums.

As they neared, the sound disturbed Lord Shiva’s intense meditation.

And here he opened his eyes fully, forgave them and retired to Kedarnath, leaving his half-finished throne.

That’s why the place is called Kedarkantha, or “The Throat of Kedar.”

Even now, it is said the mountain hums softly on silent dark nights — a sound that is nothing but Lord Shiva’s unfinished prayer.

Chapter 2: The Village Below the Snow

At the bottom of the mountain is a little village known as Sankri. Long ago — us samay — it was a very different world.

There were no roads, no stores, and no hotels. Only wooden houses, with a cluster of warmth and strength.

Their roof was of stones laid flat, to keep off the snow. As the sun rose, thin streams of smoke curled from chimneys in the air heavy with the smell of pine wood and foods cooking.

People wore hand-woven woolen clothes.

Men dressed in pattu, or long wool coats, and warm skullcaps.

The women draped themselves in bright shawls, and glistened with shiny silver jewelry.

Their clothes were all made at home, of wool spun from the fleeces of their own sheep.

Life was simple but happy. People cooperated, shared food and always gave thanks to the mountain before beginning any project.

Chapter 3: Stories by the Fire

In winter, snow covered everything. Roads vanished and the world went white and silent.

They have typically spent their evenings around a fire, sipping hot tea and listening to stories from their elders.

The oldest story was that of Lord Shiva’s throne at the summit of Kedarkantha.

They told him that the throne still glows deep within the mountain.

Others reported hearing bells or spotting blue lights dancing on the snow — indications that Lord Shiva still came to visit at times.

For festivals, everybody puts on their good clothes.

They beat drums, sang songs and danced in a circle beneath the open sky.

Their songs reflected love, laughter and blessings to the mountain.

Chapter 4: The Journey to the Peak

To make it to the top of Kedarkantha, trekkers begin their journey from Sankri.

The route traverses dense green forests.

On either side, tall pine trees stand sentry between field and sky.

When the wind blows, the trees whisper to each other in hushed tones as if sharing ancient secrets.

Half way through, you will come across a mystical lake known as the Juda Ka Talab meaning The Lake of Jata (Hair Locks).

It is believed that while meditating here, a few drops of water fell from the hair of Lord Shiva.

Those drops made up this beautiful lake.

This is why it’s called Juda Ka Talab — “the lake born from Shiva’s hair.”

At night when the moon is overhead, the lake looks silver. The reflection of the sky is so clear it’s like another world below the surface.

And yet sometimes when there is no wind, small ripples form — as though the lake were expanding and contracting its own lungs.

Chapter 5: The Top of the World

The ascent to the top begins before first light.

The snow is illuminated by the moon and the air is cold but fresh.

The white snow turns golden as the sun comes up.

On the peak is a small Shiva temple constructed of stones and flags.

Some people get so emotional there and start crying. The tears are of achievement and  fulfillment. Trekkers also bring a small stone from the peak because it is believed that the stone is very positive and keeps negativity away. 

Several of these trekkers have said they could hear faint bells or a deep humming noise.

Perhaps it’s the wind, or perhaps it’s the mountain talking.

Chapter 6: The Life Around the Mountain

The residents in and around Kedarkantha are simple, good hearted folks.

They dine on food made from local grains — rice, dal and madua (ragi) roti.

In winter, they keep warm with hot butter tea.

Before embarking on a trip, local people usually lower their heads toward the mountain or the temple of the village.

They may recite short local prayers in Garhwali or Hindi: “Bhagwan bachaye” (God protect us), say, or, “Kedarkantha devta, kripa karo” (Lord Kedarkantha, vouchsafe us).

In some families, there is even a small corner in the house for the local deity or mountain god and they light a diya (lamp) there every morning and evening.

Shepherds and trekkers typically touch the ground before climbing, a sign of respect for nature.

Kids play in the snow and make mini temples with flowers, not snowmen.

They giggle, run and scream — their noise blending with the wind.

Chapter 7: The Mountain That Remembers

Kedarkantha is not just a mountain — it’s a friend, teacher and protector.

It teaches patience and courage.

Just about anyone who climbs it comes back with a story of their own.

Standing on top, looking out to other peaks touching sky, you feel that the world is larger than we give it credit for, and also kinder.

You know that silence can speak too — if you are open to listening.