Kedarnath: the shrine in the snows

Episodes and lessons

1. Nara, Narayana and the linga in the snows Episode 1 · 7 min · Read along

   Two sages sat in long tapas in the Himalaya. The Shiva Purana says Kedarnath began with their prayer.

   It begins: "Wherever you are, sit comfortably. Let your shoulders drop. One breath in, one breath out."

2. The Pandavas and the bull: the Panch Kedar of Garhwal Episode 2 · 9 min · Read along

   The Garhwal tradition of the Pandavas searching for Shiva, the five Kedars it gave the hills, and how it sits beside what the Mahabharata itself tells.

   It begins: "Welcome back. Settle in, and let your breath slow down a little."

3. Adi Shankaracharya and Kedarnath Episode 3 · 9 min · Read along

   The young teacher from Kerala who, tradition says, walked to these snows, renewed the worship at Kedarnath, and is remembered at the memorial behind the temple.

   It begins: "Welcome back to Kedarnath. Sit comfortably, and let the day settle for a moment."

4. The yatra and its seasons: the doors, the snow and the winter seat Episode 4 · 9 min · Read along

   How Kedarnath's year turns, from the palki carried up in spring to the doors closing before winter, the road and the footpath, and how to walk it with care.

   It begins: "Welcome back. Sit comfortably, and take a slow breath in, and let it go."

5. After the waters of 2013: how the valley remembers Episode 5 · 9 min · Read along

   A respectful look at the floods of 2013 in the Kedarnath valley, the people who were lost, the rock behind the temple, and the rebuilding, closing the series.

   It begins: "Welcome to the last sitting of this series. Sit comfortably."

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