In September 2017, I embarked on a journey to Kedarnath. Amidst the various sessions during this trip, one particularly fascinating piece of information caught my attention. It was mentioned that the temples in the northern regions were constructed in locations perceived as inherently ‘powerful’ by the sages. On the other hand, in the southern parts, the sages chose specific locations to build temples and imbued those places with ‘power’. This concept left me deeply intrigued, prompting me to ponder its significance. The subsequent experience on top of the mountains of Kedar seemed to provide some answers to this intriguing question.
While ascending the mountain to pay a visit to Kedar, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the devastating flash floods that struck this region in 2013. These floods had a profound impact, shaking the entire area and claiming the lives of numerous individuals. I had previously watched footage of this calamity on YouTube, and there was one particular story that had piqued my interest.
After completing my darshan at the temple, I decided to take a stroll behind it to witness the rock now famously known as Divya (Bheem) Sheela. To provide some context, Kedar itself lies within a valley, with the temple occupying a stretch of land spanning just one to one and a half kilometers. The Helipad marks one extreme, while the Kedar temple stands at the other. Between these points, you’ll find lodging camps, shops on both sides, a bridge traversing the river, and the ghat where pilgrims can bathe. The temple is encircled by mountains on all sides.
On June 16, 2013, incessant rains caused the lake atop the mountain behind the temple to breach its banks, submerging the entire Kedar area. Along with the surging waters came a deluge of rocks tumbling down the mountainside. As the Kedar temple was situated at higher ground, many sought refuge inside it. At this critical moment, something miraculous occurred. A colossal boulder descended from the mountain and came to rest just behind the temple. Remarkably, instead of continuing its descent and potentially striking the temple, it halted behind the temple complex. This massive rock acted as a formidable barrier against the falling debris of rocks, diverting the water on either side of the temple. Those who had taken shelter inside the temple were spared.
Sitting behind this rock for an extended period, I couldn’t help but reflect on that moment. How did the sages of centuries past, who trekked to this very spot, recognize its profound significance? While I wouldn’t classify myself as a particularly spiritual or religious person, I do believe in forces beyond our comprehension. This event served as a compelling testament to that belief. How could such a massive rock traverse the mountain and then come to a halt precisely behind the temple to redirect the water’s flow and save the temple?
I’ve encountered numerous places and heard countless mythical stories, and I generally take them at face value. However, this rock, which the government has intentionally left in place, has now become an integral part of the temple, revered as a deity who safeguarded the people. It has inclined me to place greater trust in the existence of something immensely powerful, regardless of whether we acknowledge it or not. Don’t you think so?
As I departed from the temple, I had the opportunity to speak with someone who had been present on that fateful night. Here is a firsthand account from him, which should provide a clearer picture of what transpired.
