Why Sara Ali Khan returns to Kedarnath regularly?

Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan made her debut in the film industry with the 2018 film 'Kedarnath.' The young actress, who played an Uttarakhand native living near the Kedarnath temple in the movie, might not have imagined that the spot would become one of her favourites for repeat visits, in years to come. Sarah, who has been visiting Kedarnath regularly ever since, recently returned to the temple and posted a handful of serene, elegant pictures from her time there for her social media followers. 

'Kedarnath is home'
According to Sara, Kedarnath is apparently "The only place in the world that feels totally familiar and still leaves me awestruck and in wonder every single time." On her page, she also wrote, "Thank you for giving me everything that I have and making me everything that I am." Last year, around the same time she visited the shrine, she mentioned on her page that the flow of the Mandakini River, the aarti sounds, and the aura of the place keep bringing her back.  

The 8th-century shrine
The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It's at the foot of the Kedarnath Mountain and is thus picturesquely set against snow-capped peaks, which give it a divine ambience. Devotees can either trek 16 km from Gaurikund to reach the temple or hire dolis. Some pilgrims also depend on helicopter services. 

A spiritual trek
Like the many other spiritual walks in the country, the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath offers a spiritually uplifting 16 km experience. The sacred peepal tree 'Akshayvat,' views of the Mandakini River and waterfalls, the Bhairavnath Temple hill, and many local tea stalls and shops are among the factors that attract devotees to this sacred space.

Kedarnath's Kerala connection
Did you know that the samadhi of the 8th-century Kerala scholar-philosopher Adi Shankaracharya is at Kedarnath? According to various texts, he also often meditated here, and pilgrims pay their respects at the samadhi in the early mornings. The spot is also popular among tourists, as it offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and the temple town from its location.