Context:
Massive avalanche hits Gandhi Sarovar
Gandhi Sarovar:
- Location – Uttarakhand
- Near to Kedarnath temple
- Originates from – Chorabari Bamak Glacier.
- Original name – Chorabari Tal
- In 1948, some of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in the lake after which it was renamed Gandhi Sarovar.
- Significance – It is believed that it was at Chorabari Lake that Lord Shiva imparted the knowledge of yoga to the Saptrishis.
Kedarnath Temple:
- A Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.
- Location – Garhwal Himalayan range
- Near the Mandakini river, in Uttarakhand.
- Significance –
- It is said that the Pandavas constructed the Kedarnath Temple which was later reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya
- One of the 4 sites of Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage circuit
- Other 3 are – Yamunotri Dham, Gangotri Dham and Badrinath Dham
- One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
- Architecture –
- Built of extremely large but evenly shaped grey stone slabs.
- The stone slabs are interlocked with each other with the use of iron clamps.
- No mortar has been used in the construction of the temple.
- A “Garba Griha” for worship and a Mandap for pilgrims is placed inside the temple.
- Other attractions in Kedarnath –
- Gaurikund – Hot water spring in Garhwal Himalayas
- Vasuki Tal
- Triyuginarayan Temple – Famous as the site where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.
Related Article: Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct. Barabar Caves are the oldest rock-cut caves in India.
Statement 2 is not correct. Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Ashoka.
