The Stillness of Kedarnath | Doors to Kedarnath | National Geographic

Summary

The video script discusses the significance and engineering marvel of the Kedarnath Temple in India. The temple is located in a unique and unstable terrain, yet it has withstood the test of time and various challenges, including a major flood in 2013. The location was chosen for its stability and the quality of the land, which was carefully evaluated before construction. Despite being surrounded by glaciers and situated between a gorge, the temple has been protected from natural disasters due to its strategic positioning. The temple's foundation was found to be undamaged even after the 2013 flood, thanks to the efforts of experts and engineers. The video also highlights the challenges faced during the reconstruction process, including the need for geological surveys and the diversion of rivers to ensure the temple's safety. The script concludes with the efforts of pilgrims and workers to ensure the smooth running of the pilgrimage season, showcasing the resilience and dedication of those involved.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ The Kedarnath temple is located in an unstable valley, yet it stands as a stable structure, indicating the strategic choice of location and engineering excellence.
• 📚 Dr. Rakesh Bhatt, a professor of ancient Indian history and archaeology, has conducted an in-depth study of the temple, emphasizing the importance of the land selection.
• ⛰ The temple has faced and overcome numerous challenges over the centuries, demonstrating its resilience and the wisdom behind its construction.
• 🏔 The temple is situated amidst glaciers and a valley, showcasing the builders' foresight in distancing it from the mountains to protect it from potential avalanches.
• 🔍 A GPS survey (Ground Penetrating Radar survey) revealed that the foundation of the Kedarnath temple has not been damaged at all, highlighting the precision of its engineering.
• 🏗️ Restoration work on the temple was completed in October 2018, after it was damaged during the 2013 floods, showcasing the dedication and skills of the restoration team.
• 🚧 The Mandakini and Saraswati rivers were merged for safety reasons, and an engineering survey recommended building a dam to control the flow, which was successfully implemented.
• 🔧 The team employed a three-part safety system involving river diversion, which included the use of wire crates and a wall to divert the rivers, ensuring the protection of the temple.
• 🏞️ The Kedarnath region, despite being in a challenging environment, attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, who come to witness the opening of the temple.
• 🛠️ The construction and maintenance of the pilgrimage route are carried out manually by the locals, who bring necessary materials and set up facilities to ensure a smooth journey for the pilgrims.
• ⏱️ The team faces a challenging timeline of 15 days to complete their work before the pilgrims arrive, requiring meticulous planning and execution.

Q & A

What is the significance of the term 'Kedarnath'?

Kedarnath refers to a place with unstable, loose soil. The Kedarnath temple is believed to be built on the most stable ground in this unstable valley.

Who is Dr. Rakesh Bhatt and what is his expertise?

Dr. Rakesh Bhatt is a professor of ancient Indian history and archaeology. He is highly regarded in the study of the Higher and Trans-Himalayan regions and has conducted an in-depth study of the Kedarnath temple.

Why is the location of Kedarnath considered unique?

The location of Kedarnath is unique due to the importance of the earth selection. It is certain that the builders evaluated the quality of the land and chose the site for the temple, which has withstood many challenges over the centuries.

How did the Kedarnath temple manage to avoid damage during the 2013 floods?

The temple's height and its location on a middle moraine above a valley protected it from the heavy damage that could have been caused by the floodwaters. Later, a GPS survey confirmed that the temple's foundation was not damaged at all.

What measures were taken to ensure the safety of the Kedarnath temple during the 2013 floods?

A safety system was established to create a first ring of security against the floodwaters on the land. A wire mesh barrage was also constructed to prevent the floodwaters from reaching the temple.

What was the role of Manoj Semwal in the reconstruction efforts after the 2013 floods?

Manoj Semwal was a significant member of the team responsible for accomplishing the reconstruction work. His team undertook river diversion, which involved channelizing the river with the help of wire crates and a wall.

How many days are considered challenging for the team to complete the preparations for the temple opening?

The team faces a challenging period of 15 days to complete the preparations. If the weather remains favorable during these days, they can accomplish the task.

What is the estimated number of pilgrims expected on the first day of the temple opening?

On the first day, it is expected that there will be at least 10,000 to 15,000 pilgrims arriving at the temple.

What are the challenges faced by the team in preparing for the influx of pilgrims?

The team faces challenges in ensuring that the temple premises are clean and prepared for the pilgrims. They also need to make arrangements for a large number of pilgrims, which includes setting up a warm room for medical relief.

What is the total manpower power available for the reconstruction and preparation work?

The total manpower power available for the work is estimated to be between 300, including laborers, officials, and junior engineers from various departments.

How does the team manage the annual challenge of preparing for the pilgrimage season considering the snow cover?

The team has to start anew each pilgrimage season due to the snow cover that obscures everything from the previous year. They work for about 2400 hours to prepare for the large number of pilgrims expected.