In the middle of pilgrimage season, torrential rains and the resulting flash floods nearly destroyed the town.
At least 50 people were feared killed and several hundred pilgrims were reported missing around Kedarnath, with thousands of others stranded due to landslides.
Aerial photos showed that the temple itself was not damaged but was still standing amid surrounding debris due to its architectural design.
However the temple complex and all surrounding areas suffered near total destruction.
