Kedarnath is a town located in the state of Uttarakhand. The most remote of the four Chaar Dhaam sites, it hosts one of the holiest Hindu temples, the Kedarnath Temple. Over a thousand years old, this temple is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. The origins can be found in the great epic Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places - the arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar. During winters (Oct-Nov), the holy statue of Lord Shiva is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath in the first week of May. It is at this time that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims who flock from all parts of India for a holy pilgrimage. There are two ways to reach Kedarnath: by foot (a steep 14 km trek through a paved path though horses or palanquins are available for rent) and through helicopter service.