Kedarnath is a significant religious site located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is renowned for the Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayan range, near the Mandakini River.

Key points about Kedarnath:

1. Religious Importance: Kedarnath Temple is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the ancient Indian epic, Mahabharata, and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya during the 8th century.

2. Jyotirlinga: The term "Jyotirlinga" refers to the "lingam" (an abstract representation of Lord Shiva) which is considered to be a self-manifested and naturally formed lingam of Lord Shiva. Each of the twelve Jyotirlingas holds great spiritual significance in Hinduism.

3. Pilgrimage Journey: To reach Kedarnath, devotees have to undertake a challenging trek of about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Gaurikund, the last motorable point. The trek takes visitors through picturesque landscapes and is usually open during the summer months, as heavy snowfall in winter makes it inaccessible.

4. Weather: Due to its high altitude location, Kedarnath experiences cold weather throughout the year. Summers are relatively mild, while winters are extremely cold, with heavy snowfall.

5. 2013 Tragedy: In June 2013, Kedarnath and its surrounding areas faced a devastating natural disaster when heavy rains led to flash floods and landslides. The disaster caused significant loss of life and property in the region.

6. Reconstruction: After the 2013 tragedy, efforts were made to reconstruct and restore the Kedarnath Temple and its surroundings. The government, along with various organizations, worked to improve infrastructure and safety measures for pilgrims.

7. Chardham Yatra: Kedarnath is also an integral part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage circuit that includes three other holy sites: Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Kedarnath remains a revered place of worship for millions of devotees who visit the temple to seek blessings and attain spiritual solace amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.