Mussoorie, Dec. 17 -- More than a decade after the devastating floods of 2013 ravaged Kedarnath Dham, the massive boulders brought down by the deluge are being imbued with new spiritual meaning as part of the ongoing reconstruction of the revered Himalayan shrine. Instead of removing the rocks, authorities have chosen to preserve and transform them into religious murals and sculptures - turning symbols of destruction into emblems of faith, resilience and cultural renewal. Officials involved in the Kedarnath reconstruction project said over 30 murals and sculptures are being carved on the giant boulders scattered around the shrine. These artworks depict various forms of Lord Shiva, as well as symbols and motifs associated with ancient Shaivite traditions. More than 15 sculptures have already been completed, while work on the remaining ones will resume in the coming days. Hemant Dwivedi, chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), said the initiative sought to integrate the landscape shaped by the disaster with Kedarnath's spiritual ethos. "Instead of removing the colossal boulders carried down by the floodwaters, it was decided to preserve them and imbue them with religious and cultural significance," Dwivedi said. "Unique sculptures depicting various forms of Lord Shiva, such as Nataraja, as well as images of ancient Shiva temples or Shivayalas, have been carved on these rocks, adding to the spiritual aura of the shrine area," he added. As part of a broader plan, a Shiva Udyan (Shiva Park) is being developed behind the Kedarnath shrine to offer pilgrims a space for rest, meditation and reflection after their arduous journey to the high-altitude temple. Spread over nearly 5,600 square metres at an elevation of around 11,750 feet above sea level, the park is envisioned as a tranquil retreat. The proposed Shiva Udyan will feature interconnected walking trails, or pagdandian, allowing pilgrims to move through the landscaped area at a leisurely pace....