If you’ve been to the Kedarnath Temple, you might have heard about the mysterious story of the rock behind the temple known as “Bheem Shila.” In 2013, a devastating flood occurred everywhere in Uttarakhand, including the Kedarnath Temple. If not, let’s explore how Bheem Shila suddenly came behind the Kedarnath Temple and saved the from the catastrophic flood.
On June 16, 2013, a massive flood caused destruction in Uttarakhand. There were hardly any high-altitude regions that were spared from the wrath of the flood waters. The Kedarnath area witnessed a terrifying scene as a glacial lake near Chorabari Glacier, situated 5 kilometres above the Kedarnath Temple, burst, causing a heavy rainfall like situation in the surroundings of temple
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A rock which suddenly appeared behind Kedarnath Mandir
According to the pilgrims who were present there, on the evening of June 16, they suddenly saw a rapid flow of water descending from the mountains behind the temple. Witnessing this, pilgrims sought refuge in the temple. It is said that a colossal boulder, which was rapidly approaching the temple from the rear, was stopped just about 50 feet away from the temple. It seemed as though someone had miraculously halted this massive rock.
The flood had devastated the Kedarnath Valley with a mix of water, sand, rocks, and mud. Even the sturdy rocks on the mountains had broken and fallen like pebbles. The temple was also at risk as no one was safe from the floodwaters. According to the locals and the sadhus (holy men) at Kedarnath, it was nothing short of a miracle that saved the temple. They believe that a massive rock, which was descending rapidly from the mountains during the flood, suddenly stopped just about 50 feet away from the temple. People felt as if someone had halted this immense boulder.
The Bheem Shila
The rock was subsequently named “Bheem Shila” and is still present behind the Kedarnath Temple, near the Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. People continue to worship this rock, and it remains a mysterious and revered element of the Kedarnath Temple’s history.
The story of Bheem Shila is a testament to the remarkable events that unfolded during the 2013 Uttarakhand flood, and it continues to be a subject of wonder and devotion among those who visit Kedarnath.
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