Kedarnath is one of India’s most revered temple destinations, set amidst the majestic Garhwal Himalayas. Perched at an altitude of 3,580 meters near the Chorabari Glacier, which feeds the Mandakini River, this sacred town is home to the ancient Kedarnath Temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is crafted from large, uniformly shaped grey stone slabs and is renowned for its exquisite architecture. Inside, a conical rock formation is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his "Sadashiva" form. Kedarnath is not only part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit but also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. Towering behind the temple are the Kedarnath peak, Kedar Dome, and other majestic Himalayan peaks.
Historically known as "Kedar Khand," this region is steeped in legend. According to the Mahabharata, after defeating the Kauravas, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's blessings for redemption. The Lord, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and hid at Kedarnath. As he dived into the ground, his hump remained on the surface, which is now worshipped at the Kedarnath Temple. The other parts of Lord Shiva manifested at four different sites: his arms at Tungnath, his face at Rudranath, his belly at Madmaheshwar, and his locks at Kalpeshwar. Together with Kedarnath, these five shrines form the sacred Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
For more information on registering for the pilgrimage, please visit the official site. https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/signin.php
Kapat is open now for darshan.
If you're planning to visit, the best time is between May and October, as the town is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The temple is currently open for darshan.
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, believed to be over 1,000 years old, was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D. on the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. Kedarnath stands as one of India’s most iconic temples devoted to Lord Shiva.
The temple complex has undergone significant rehabilitation following the devastating floods of 2013. New facilities include helipads, guest houses, and online booking options for darshan and pujas. Certain rituals can now be booked online, allowing devotees to participate without being physically present. Daily pooja rituals at Kedarnath begin early, around 4:00 a.m. with the Maha Abhishek, and conclude around 7:00 p.m. with the Shyam Aarti. The temple opens to the public for darshan at approximately 6:00 a.m.
Visitors can perform Abhishek with ghee and touch the idol until 3:00 p.m. After 5:00 p.m., direct access to the idol is restricted, but devotees can still have darshan from a distance. The Kedarnath Temple is open for only six months each year, aligning with the period when the sun enters Aries and Scorpio is in eclipse.About Kedarnath Temple
According to legend, Nara and Narayana, two great sages, performed intense penance in front of a Shivalingam they fashioned out of earth. Moved by their devotion, Lord Shiva agreed to reside here as a Jyotirlingam. Kedarnath, a sacred shrine for Lord Shiva devotees, has a history spanning over 1,000 years. It is also believed that the Pandavas came to this place, known as Kedareshwar, to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Another legend tells of Goddess Parvati worshipping Kedareshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. The Bhairon Temple, dedicated to Bhaironathji, plays an essential role in the rituals at Kedarnath, as Bhaironathji is believed to protect the land from evil when the Kedarnath Temple is closed during the winter months.
Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, representing the cosmic light of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, located in the Rudra Himalayas of northern India, houses the highest Jyotirlinga in the world—the Kedarnath lingam. History of Kedarnath
The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is determined by the Omkareshwar priests based on the auspicious occasions of ‘Akshay Tritya’ and ‘Maha Shivaratri.’ For 2025, the temple will open on May 10th at 6:20 AM, with a special Pooja marking the occasion.
The opening date for Kedarnath Dham was announced on Mahashivratri, while the closing date has been set for Bhai Dooj, the day after Diwali in November. On this day, the temple will close after the morning Pooja Archana. The opening of the Kedarnath Kapaat is a deeply revered event, drawing pilgrims from across the country and the world. Devotees can only have darshan once the priests perform the Puja at Kedarnath Temple. The closing ceremony is equally grand, with Garhwal bands accompanying Baba Kedar’s Doli to its winter abode at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. Open/ Close Date of Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath itself is a major tourist destination, but the surrounding area also offers a wealth of pilgrimage sites and natural attractions, including high-altitude lakes and trekking opportunities. During your Kedarnath trip, you can explore nearby places like Triyuginarayan, Guptkashi, Chopta, Deoria Tal, Panch Kedar, Chandrashila, Kalimath, and Agastyamuni.
Triyuginarayan is the legendary site where Lord Shiva and Parvati were married, and it’s a must-visit to experience the spiritual ambiance. Chopta and Deoria Tal are among the most beautiful spots in the Garhwal region, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, truly making you feel like you’re in paradise.
The five most important Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas—Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar—are collectively known as the Panch Kedar. These temples hold great significance in Uttarakhand, both spiritually and culturally. For those interested in architecture, a visit to the Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple is recommended. This temple, dedicated to Sage Agastya, is of archaeological significance, with intricately carved figures of gods and goddesses on its stones.
For more breathtaking views, don’t miss the Kedar Massif, an impressive formation of three major peaks: Kedar Dome, Bharatekuntha, and Kedarnath. Kalimath is also worth a visit for its spiritual and scenic beauty.
Kedarnath is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag District. This sacred town, one of the Char Dhams, is nestled in the Kedarnath Valley at an elevation of 3,584 meters. It can be reached by trekking, Dandi, Kandi, or helicopter. Kedarnath is well-connected by road, air, and rail. You can travel directly to Kedarnath from Haridwar, and it’s possible to spend at least one day exploring the area. The 240-kilometer journey is mostly along a ghat road, with stunning mountain views and the Ganges River accompanying you much of the way. If your group consists of more than 5-6 people, renting a jeep is a good option. If you plan to drive your own vehicle, ensure it has sufficient ground clearance as the road is often strewn with pebbles.
Gaurikund, the entry point to the trek, is just 5 kilometers from Sonprayag. A checkpoint (fatak) at Sonprayag ensures that buses and autos drop off pilgrims there. Shared taxis are available from Sonprayag to Gaurikund, helping to minimize traffic congestion. While Kedarnath is one of the highest pilgrimage sites in the world, it is accessible only by a challenging 18-kilometer trek along a paved trail from Gaurikund. Kedarnath Location
Devotees can now conveniently book Puja, Bhog, Paath, or Aarti services in advance online at a fair price. Several types of services are available at the Chardham Temples, including Kedarnath and Badrinath, making it easy to schedule your desired rituals. To book, pilgrims simply need to make an online payment for the selected service, which will be conducted on their behalf.
The process is straightforward. First, register on the Badri-Kedar website, log in, and select the Puja, Bhog, Paath, or Aarti service you wish to book. Enter your details and complete the payment online. With these simple steps, you can arrange for your spiritual services from the comfort of your home. Online Puja Booking in Kedarnath
The Kedarnath Trek spans 16 kilometers and ranges from moderate to steep inclines, demanding a good level of physical fitness. Before starting the trek, every traveler is required to undergo a health check to ensure they are fit for the journey. For those who need assistance, facilities like Palki/Dandi, Kandi, and Mule/Ponies are available. These services can be booked at the designated counters in Gaurikund or Sonprayag.
Please Note: Registration is compulsory for Char Dham Yatra.
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Kedarnath trek is 18 kms long. Check Kedarnath Trek Guide
Is Kedarnath Trek is Easy or Difficult?
The 18 km long Kedarnath trek starts from Gaurikund. It is neither easy for everyone and not tough for someone. The pathways is well built to walk and has gradual inclination towards Kedarnath Dham. One who want to do the Kedarnath trek must prepare self by doing regular exercise and walk/ run before a month.
