Kedarnath
Kedarnath stands as one of the most sacred and spiritually significant sites for Hindus. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of faith, endurance, and divine power. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and an essential stop in the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.
The Kedarnath Temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and is steeped in mythology and legend. It is said to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a conical-shaped lingam — a natural rock formation that is unlike any other Shiva lingam in India. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the Mandakini River flowing nearby, the spiritual ambiance of the temple is further heightened by its awe-inspiring natural surroundings.
According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought penance for the sins of killing their kin. Lord Shiva, unwilling to forgive them easily, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground at Kedarnath, leaving behind his hump. The temple is believed to be built at the very site where the hump appeared. The remaining parts of Shiva in his bull form appeared at four other places in the Garhwal region, which are now collectively known as the Panch Kedar:
Tungnath (arms)
Rudranath (face)
Madhyamaheshwar (navel)
Kalpeshwar (hair)
Kedarnath is considered the most important among the Panch Kedar.
The ambience around the Kedarnath temple makes you and your soul quite peaceful and one can feel the aura around.
Kedarnath Open and Close Timing
Due to extreme weather conditions, the Kedarnath Temple is open to devotees for only six months each year.
Opening Date: Generally on Akshaya Tritiya (around April/May)
Closing Date: Around Bhai Dooj (October/November)
During the winter, the idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Ukhimath, where it is worshipped until the next yatra season.
Timings:
Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Special rituals like Abhishek and Rudra Abhishek can be performed in the early morning with prior booking.
📍 How to Reach Kedarnath
Reaching Kedarnath involves a mix of road and trekking, though helicopter services are also available for ease.
🚗 By Road
The last motorable point is Gaurikund, about 16 km from Kedarnath.
Gaurikund is accessible by road from Rishikesh (approx. 210 km), Haridwar, and Dehradun.
You can also use bus and taxi to go to Sonprayag for taxi Dehradun Taxi Service offers you most reliable and comfortable rides in hilly terrain with experienced and professional driver. 🥾 Trekking Route
From Gaurikund, pilgrims undertake a 16 km uphill trek to Kedarnath.
The trek is moderately difficult, and facilities like pony, palki (palanquin), and pitthu (porters) are available for those unable to walk.
🚁 By Helicopter
Helicopter services operate from Phata, Sersi, Sitapur, and Guptkashi.
The helicopter ride takes 7–10 minutes, and bookings can be made online through Uttarakhand Government portals or private operators.
Travel Essentials Packing List
Due to high altitude and unpredictable weather, proper preparation is crucial:
Warm Clothing: Thermals, jackets, gloves, woolen caps, and socks.
Rain Gear: Umbrella, poncho, or raincoat.
Footwear: Comfortable and waterproof trekking shoes.
Medical Kit: First aid, altitude sickness medicine, prescribed medications.
Documents: Government ID, Yatra registration form and Trip Card.
Electronics: Power bank, flashlight, mobile with Airtel and BSNL Network (better coverage).
Hotels in kedarnath
There are limited but growing accommodation options in Kedarnath:
GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) Guest Houses and camps.
Budget dharamshalas, lodges, and tents managed by the government or private operators.
For better facilities, many pilgrims stay in Guptkashi, Sonprayag, or Gaurikund, and travel to the temple in the morning.
Worship at Kedarnath
At Kedarnath, the daily puja rituals are performed by priests who belong to the Veerashaiva community from Karnataka. The major rituals include:
Rudra Abhishek
Laghu Rudra Path
Shiv Namavali Path
Panchamrit Pooja
Aarti (Morning & Evening)
Devotees can offer bilva leaves, milk, ghee, and flowers to Lord Shiva and participate in the aarti and pujas by booking them in advance.
Kedarnath is not just a destination — it is a journey of the soul. Whether you’re a devout pilgrim or a spiritual seeker, standing in front of the ancient temple surrounded by towering peaks and chanting mantras brings a sense of inner peace that is hard to describe. With a blend of divinity, adventure, and Himalayan beauty, Kedarnath is truly one of the most powerful spiritual experiences India offers.