Introduction
Nestled in the snow-clad peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga stands as one of the holiest Shiva shrines in India. Perched at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) near the Mandakini River, this temple is not only a major Jyotirlinga but also one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Surrounded by majestic mountains and divine serenity, Kedarnath is a place where spirituality and nature coexist in their purest form.
Mythological Significance
According to Hindu mythology, Kedarnath is deeply connected to the Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing their kin. Lord Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground — his hump appearing at Kedarnath. The other parts of his body are believed to have emerged at the other Panch Kedar temples — Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.
This sacred act symbolizes Shiva’s compassion in granting salvation and forgiveness to his devotees.
Kedarnath Temple Timings
-
-
Opening Date: Usually April–May (on Akshaya Tritiya)
-
-
Closing Date: Usually October–November (on Kartik Purnima)
(Exact dates vary each year based on the Hindu calendar.)
Aarti Timings
The Kedarnath Temple opens only for six months a year (generally from April/May to October/November) due to extreme winter conditions. During this period, devotees can attend the daily aartis:
-
Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM
-
Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
When the temple closes for winter, the idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship continues until reopening.
How to Reach Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
-
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 238 km from Kedarnath. From there, taxis and buses are available to Gaurikund, the base for the trek.
-
By Train: The closest railway station is Rishikesh (221 km), connected to major cities like Haridwar and Delhi.
-
By Road: Buses and taxis operate from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund.
-
By Trek/Helicopter: From Gaurikund, devotees can trek 16 km to the temple or opt for helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi for an easier journey.