The holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath have, from the earliest of times, evoked the deepest devotion from the people of India. When, according to mythology, the Ganga was requested to descend to earth it was realised that the earth would not be able to sustain the might of the goddess in a single stream. Therefore, the Ganga, after being received in the matted locks of lord Shiva, was split into twelve streams, each of these as holy as the mother.

Four main streams, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Bhagirathi & Yamuna, became the premier pilgrimages, collectively called "Char Dham" badrinath lies on the banks of the Alaknanda and Kedarnath near the source of the Mandakini, the former devoted to Lord Vishnu and the letter to Lord Shiva.

Legend has the Badrinath was the home of Lord Shiva. It was only much later when Lord Vishnu in his incarnations as Narayan made this valley his abode. Lord Shiva then, it is said took up residence at Kedarnath in the adjoining valley. And so it stands to this day.

Again, mythology identifies the deity at Kedarnath temple with the rump of a bull a form assumed by rump Lord Shiva when trying to elude the Pandavas who had come to him for repentance for killing their Kinsmen.

Legends not with standing, the two shrines are scenically located and surrounded by high, snow-covered mountains with wide grassy medows covering the valley. Adi Shankaracharya visited the two centres in the 8th century AD and is believed to have reinstalled the idol of Lord Sadari in the Temple. It is believed that the temple of Kedarnath was constructed by the Pandavas.

The routes to Badrinath and Kedarnath separate from Rudraparyag where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers converge. This region of the inner Himalayas, besides having many holy shrines, is amongest the most gifted in natural scenic beauty.