Kedarnath, being one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, carries very significant religious importance among Hindus. It forms an integral component of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, as does Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The temple, which is worshiped by Lord Shiva, is located in the Garhwal Himalayas and provides a godly and tranquil environment for pilgrims and nature enthusiasts to cherish. Standing on the shores of Mandakini River at an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, Kedarnath is a town which has taken the name of this holy temple devoted to Lord Shiva from the locals, commonly referred to as Kedarnath Mahadev.
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage. In Hindu mythology, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas went in search of Lord Shiva’s blessings for redemption. Lord Shiva, in the guise of a bull, evaded them and subsequently reappeared at Kedarnath, where the hump of the bull is revered within the temple.
The temple is said to have been constructed by the Pandavas and later reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple is constructed using huge slabs of stone, with delicate carvings and a huge Shivling, which is visited by millions of devotees annually.
Structure and Layout of Temple
The architecture of Temple is based on the old Nagara style, typical in North Indian temple architecture. The temple is built with huge pieces of stone, providing it with enormous solidity and resistance to extreme climatic conditions. The stones are beautifully carved, showing Hindu gods and mythological symbols. The temple has three main compartments:
1. Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha)
- The inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) houses the hump-shaped Shivling, which is believed to be a natural rock formation.
- The lingam is worshipped as Lord Shiva’s manifestation.
- The walls and ceiling of the sanctum are adorned with intricate carvings and images of deities.
2. Mandapa (Assembly Hall)
- This is the main prayer hall where devotees gather for worship.
- It features massive stone pillars with detailed engravings.
- The hall also contains idols of Lord Krishna, Pandavas, Nandi (Shiva’s bull), and other deities.
3. Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
- Behind the main temple is the samadhi (memorial) of Adi Shankaracharya, who is credited with reviving the Char Dham Yatra.
- It is believed that he attained Mahasamadhi (final liberation) at this site.
Temple Entrance and Outer Courtyard
The main entrance (Singh Dwara) is decorated with traditional carvings and sculptures. The courtyard is paved with large stone slabs, where devotees gather before entering the temple. A large Nandi bull statue faces the temple, symbolizing devotion to Lord Shiva.
The Shikhara (temple tower) is built in a pyramid-like shape, characteristic of Nagara-style temples. The roof is made of large stone slabs, ensuring stability against extreme weather conditions.
Mythology Related to Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The temple’s origins are linked to the epic Mahabharata, the Panch Kedar legend, and the divine presence of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas.
Kedarnath and the Mahabharata Connection
As per Hindu mythology, when the Pandavas, after the Kurukshetra war, asked for the blessings of Lord Shiva to be relieved of the war sins, Shiva was not pleased with the devastation and decided to ignore them.
To flee the Pandavas, Shiva took the disguise of a bull (Nandi) and sought refuge in the Himalayas. The Pandavas followed him, and as they arrived in Guptkashi, they sensed the presence of the god. As they drew near, Shiva dove into the earth, leaving his various body parts at five sites, which would later be temples of Panch Kedar:
- Hump at Kedarnath
- Arms at Tungnath
- Face at Rudranath
- Navel at Madhyamaheshwar
- Hair at Kalpeshwar
At Kedarnath, the hump of the bull remained, and the Pandavas built a temple to worship Lord Shiva.
Adi Shankaracharya and Kedarnath
A different legend has Adi Shankaracharya, the famous Hindu saint and philosopher, reactivating temple in the 8th century. Legend has it that he achieved Mahasamadhi (final liberation) close to the temple, and his samadhi (memorial) remains there behind it.
Schedule: Seasonal and Daily Timings
The Temple has a strict seasonal regimen because of its high-altitude position in the Himalayas. The temple remains open for just a short while every year and has set daily rituals and prayer timings.
Seasonal Schedule
Kedarnath Temple remains open for six months, from April/May to November, and remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Opening and Closing Dates
- Opening Date: The temple is opened on Akshaya Tritiya (April or May) every year. The date is notified by the priests of Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath. The opening date of Kedarnath for 2025 has been announced and the door will open on 2 May 2025 at 07:00 AM.
- Closing Date: The temple is closed on Bhai Dooj, shortly after Diwali (October or November). The idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship is offered during the winter season.
Daily Timings and Rituals at Kedarnath Temple
The temple follows a fixed schedule of worship and darshan (viewing of the deity) every day.
Morning Schedule
- 4:00 AM – Mahabhishek Puja (Morning Rituals)
- 5:00 AM – Shivlinga Abhishek (Special Bathing Ceremony)
- 6:00 AM – Rudrabhishek & Other Pujas
- 7:00 AM – General Darshan Opens for Devotees
The General darshan for Kedarnath closed after 12:00 AM (Bhog Aarti) till 03:00 PM.
Afternoon Schedule
- 12:00 PM – Bhog Aarti (Offering to the Deity)
- 3:00 PM – General Darshan Continues
Evening Schedule
- 6:00 PM – Evening Aarti & Worship
- 7:30 PM – Darshan Closes for the Night
After the evening aarti, the temple doors are closed, and no visitors are allowed inside until the next morning.
How to Reach Kedarnath Dham?
Kedarnath Dham, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). Due to its remote location in the Himalayan range, reaching Kedarnath requires a combination of air, rail, road travel, and trekking.
1. Air Travel
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is about 238 km away. From the airport, pilgrims can travel by road to Gaurikund or take a helicopter service to Kedarnath.
Helicopter Services
- Helicopter services operate from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi to Kedarnath.
- It takes around 10-15 minutes to reach Kedarnath by helicopter.
- Bookings can be made online through the official Uttarakhand government website.
2. Train Travel
The nearest railway stations are:
- Rishikesh Railway Station (216 km)
- Haridwar Railway Station (238 km)
- Dehradun Railway Station (257 km)
From these stations, pilgrims can hire taxis, take buses, or book private vehicles to Gaurikund, the last motorable point.
3. Road Travel
Kedarnath is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. Pilgrims can travel via buses, taxis, or private vehicles up to Gaurikund.
Key Road Distances to Gaurikund
- Delhi to Gaurikund: 450 km
- Haridwar to Gaurikund: 230 km
- Rishikesh to Gaurikund: 216 km
- Dehradun to Gaurikund: 250 km
From Gaurikund, pilgrims must trek 16 km to reach Kedarnath Temple.
4. Trek to Kedarnath
- The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16 km long and takes 6-8 hours depending on fitness level.
- Ponies, palkis (palanquins), and dolis (carrying chairs) are available for those unable to walk.
Trek Route and Distance
- Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti: 4 km
- Jungle Chatti to Bheembali: 3 km
- Bheembali to Linchauli: 4 km
- Linchauli to Kedarnath Base Camp: 4 km
- Base Camp to Kedarnath Temple: 1 km
Weather of Kedarnath and Best Time to Visit
Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand, India, faces harsh weather conditions because it is at a high elevation (3,583 meters sea level). The climate can be divided into three broad seasons:
Summer (May to June): The temperature is between 5°C and 18°C, the best and most comfortable time for tourists. The snow melts, and Kedarnath Temple opens to pilgrims.
Monsoon (July to September): Frequent heavy rains and landslides are typical, making traveling challenging and unsafe. The temperature is between 4°C to 16°C.
Winter (October to April): The temperature falls steeply, between -10°C and -20°C. Because of massive snowfall, the temple is closed, and the idol is relocated to Ukhimath for worship.
The summer season, from May to June, is the best time to visit Kedarnath as the weather is pleasant and the temple is accessible for darshan. September to October is also a good time to visit when the surrounding landscape is green after the monsoon and the skies are clear.
It is best to avoid going to Kedarnath during monsoon because of the danger of landslides and in winter because of snowstorms and severe cold.
Popular Sites to See on the Kedarnath
The Kedarnath Yatra is a religious pilgrimage that is rich in scenic splendor, historical landmarks, and holy temples. Some of the popular sites to see on your journey are:
- Kedarnath Temple
The prime attraction, Kedarnath Temple, is a temple of Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is ringed by grand snow-covered peaks and is a profoundly spiritual experience. - Bhairavnath Temple
At an elevation of about 500 meters above Kedarnath Temple, this temple is a place of worship dedicated to Bhairav Baba, the protector of Kedarnath. There is a good view of surrounding valleys and hills from here. - Vasuki Tal
A beautiful glacial lake that is 8 km from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal is known for its clear blue water and panoramic views of the Chaukhamba peaks. It’s a good location for trekking lovers. - Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)
Located 3 km from Kedarnath, Chorabari Tal is a little but picturesque lake. It is said that the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed here and hence the name Gandhi Sarovar is also used for it. - Gaurikund
It is the beginning point of the trek to Kedarnath. According to legend, Goddess Parvati meditated here to impress Lord Shiva. The hot water springs and the Gauri Mata Temple are the famous attractions here. - Triyuginarayan Temple
It is situated at 25 km from Kedarnath and is considered to be the marriage site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is said to have a continuous sacred fire burning since their wedding.
FAQ’s
What is the importance of Kedarnath in Hinduism?
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and these are regarded as the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva. It is also included in the Char Dham Yatra, a holy pilgrimage circuit in Northern India. Hindu mythology says that the temple was first constructed by the Pandavas to repent for their sins following the Mahabharata war.
What are the nearby attractions to visit along with Kedarnath Temple?
The pilgrims regularly tour adjacent sacred places like Bhairavnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, and Gaurikund. They are religiously significant spots and provide scenic beauty that makes the spiritual experience of the yatra richer.
What is the historical background of Kedarnath?
Though the precise date of the construction of the temple is not known, it’s said to have been constructed first by the Pandavas and then rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya during the 8th century. The architecture of the temple is North-Indian Himalayan, made of huge stone slabs.
What is the ideal time to visit Kedarnath?
The temple is accessible to the public from April (Akshaya Tritiya) to November (Kartik Purnima). The best time to visit is between the summer months, May and June, when the climate is comparatively pleasant. It is best to skip the monsoon season (July to September) because of heavy rain and the possibility of landslides.
What are the accommodation options near Kedarnath Temple?
Accommodations around the temple vary from guesthouses and lodges to tents. Advanced booking is recommended, particularly for peak pilgrimage times, to ensure availability.