Perched at 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Shree Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This ancient shrine, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is part of the Char Dham Yatra and holds immense spiritual and historical significance.

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Built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, the temple features stone architecture designed to withstand extreme weather. According to legend, it marks the spot where Lord Shiva took refuge as a bull to evade the Pandavas. The self-manifested (Swayambhu) lingam is worshipped in its natural triangular form.

Kedarnath is accessible only six months a year (April-November) due to heavy snowfall. The temple attracts devotees during Maha Shivaratri, Shravan month (July-August), and the Char Dham Yatra season. The scenic beauty of the Mandakini River Valley adds to its divine aura.

How to Reach Kedarnath Temple

• By Air: Nearest airport – Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (238 km, 7-hour drive to Gaurikund).

• By Train: Nearest railway station – Rishikesh (216 km, 6-hour drive to Gaurikund).

• By Road:

  • From Haridwar/Rishikesh: Buses/taxis to Gaurikund (base camp).

  • Trek: 16 km (6-8 hours) from Gaurikund or helicopter services (Phata/Sersi).

Rituals & Aarti Timings

• Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM

• Abhishekam: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM (with milk, honey, and bilva leaves).

• Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM

Major Festivals:

• Maha Shivaratri (Feb-Mar) – Celebrated with grand fervor.

• Shravan Month (Jul-Aug) – Special Rudrabhishek rituals.

• Opening/Closing Ceremonies (Apr/Nov) – Marked by elaborate processions.

Things to Do

1. Attend the Morning Aarti for a divine sunrise experience.

2. Trek to Vasuki Tal (8 km) – A glacial lake at 4,135 meters.

3. Visit Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi behind the temple.

4. Meditate by the Mandakini River.

5. Explore Gandhi Sarovar (4 km) – Source of the Mandakini River.

Nearest Tourist Places

1. Badrinath – Char Dham shrine (220 km).

2. Tungnath – World’s highest Shiva temple (90 km).

3. Rudraprayag – Confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers (75 km).

4. Guptkashi – Ancient Shiva temple (49 km).

5. Sonprayag – Scenic stop en route (20 km from Gaurikund).

FAQs

Q1. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?

• May-June & Sep-Oct for pleasant weather; avoid monsoon (Jul-Aug) due to landslides.

Q2. Are there accommodation options near the temple?

• Yes, guesthouses, GMVN lodges, and dharamshalas in Kedarnath/Gaurikund.

Q3. Is photography allowed inside the temple?

• No, photography is restricted in the sanctum.

Q4. Why is Kedarnath Jyotirlinga unique?

• It is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham Yatra.

Q5. Can elderly/disabled pilgrims visit?

• Helicopter services (Phata/Sersi) and palki/doli (palanquin) options are available.

🚩 Travel Tip: Carry woolen clothes, waterproof gear, and basic medicines for altitude acclimatization. A test of faith and endurance! 🙏