Kedarnath Jyotirlinga: Sacred Shrine of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand

The Kedarath temple is in Uttarakhand and is among the most sacred Hindu Shrines. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple is being built of large stone slabs. It features a conical rock formation called the Swayambhu Lingam, which is worshipped as a form of Shiva. Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, divine manifestations of Shiva, and is a part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand. The temple is the crucial stop on the Char Dham Yatra and one of India's most important pilgrimage routes. The temple's historical significance claims that its origins are linked to the Pandavas of the Mahabharat, who built it to atone for their sins. The architecture of the Kedarnath is stunning and made of gigantic, heavy, and evenly cut stone slabs, a marvel of ancient engineering. Thus, while you are planning to visit the Kedarnath Temple and are keen to grab the basic information about the temple, you can go through the details cited below and further plan your itinerary accordingly.

The opening and closing times of the Kedarnath Temple

The Kedarnath temple is typically open for pilgrimage six months of the year, closing in winter due to heavy snowfall. Thus, the temple generally opens for pilgrims in Ma and closes in October or November, depending on weather conditions and the auspicious dates of Bhai Dooj. Therefore, there is no specific date on which the Kedarnath temple opens every year; the exact times may vary, so it is essential to check the official Uttarakhand Tourism website or other reliable sources for exact dates and timings for the season.

General Timing and Season:

• Opening and Closing Dates: The temple opens after Akshay Tritya, during the April - May period, and closes on the day of Bhai Dooj, from October to November each year. 
• Best time to visit: The pilgrimage season is from May to October.
• Winter Closure: Due to heavy snowfall, the temple remains closed to pilgrims from November to April.

Daily timings

• Temple opens: The temple usually opens fr devotees in the early morning. 
• Morning Darshan: The morning darshan is often from around 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Evening Darshan: The evening darshan usually starts from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Temple Closes: The temple's daily darshan timings typically conclude around 9:00 PM.

Therefore, the timings can change, and it is best to check on the official sources for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

See also: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

The Rituals Performed at the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Multiple rituals are performed at the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, including daily and special pujas. Although trekking is a spiritual journey, you can also participate in the following rituals and make offerings like sacred water, flowers, and Bilva leaves. To learn more about the rituals performed, follow the links.

Daily Rituals

• Morning Aarti: This daily morning ritual is performed to welcome the deity. It tends to happen at 4 AM and is followed by the Maha Abhishek.
• Shodashopachar: A series of 16 steps of worship performed daily, including offering lamps and incense.
• Bhog Aarti: The deity is offered exceptional food, known as Bhog, which is then distributed as Prasadam to devotees.
• Dhoop Aarti and Shayan Aarti: Evening rituals conclude with chanting, bells, and waving lamps, and the deity is ceremonially put to sleep.

See also: Mallikarjuna Temple

Special Pujas:

• Rudrabhishek Puja: A popular puja dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is believed to bring peace and prosperity.
• Abhishek: The ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga with the holy water, milk and the sacred items.
• Panchamrit Puja: Bathing the deity with Panchamrit, a mix of five holy items, milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar.
• Rudra Homa: Fire rituals performed by priests who chant Vedic mantras to invoke Shiva's blessings.

See also: Somnath Temple

The must-visit and the nearby places at Kedarnath

When you are travelling to the Kedarnath temple, there are other nearby places that you can visit to witness its beauty. To learn more about the nearby places to the Kedarnath temple, you can read the information below and learn about the following.

• Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi: The resting place of the sage Adi Sankaracharya, who is further believed to have attained liberation here.
• Bhairavnath Temple: This ancient temple, located a kilometre from the main temple, is dedicated to Lord Bhairava, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
• Gaurikund: The closest road-accessible point, it features a temple to Gauri Mayi and a Tapt Kund, where the 14 km trek to Kedarnath begins.
• Vasuki is a beautiful glacial lake at a high elevation, known for its serene environment and mythological significance.
• Sonprayag: A religiously significant spot where the Mandakini and Basuki rivers meet, believed to cleanse sins.
• Guptkashi: A stopover point on the route to Kedarnath, it is known for its ancient temple and religious significance.
• Chandrashila: A peak offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas.
• Triyuginarayan Temple: A sacred temple where it is believed Lord Shiva and Parvati were married.

See also: Top 10 Famous Temples in Delhi

Information about the modes to travel to the Kedarnath Temple

There are different ways to travel to the Kedarnath temple. You can travel to the Kedarnath temple via a road and trek journey starting from Gaurikund or by helicopter from locations like Guptkashi or Phata during the peak season. To learn about the modes of travel to the Kedarnath temple, get updated with the following. 

Reach Kedarnath by Road and Trek:

• You will reach a central town, from where you can travel by train or road to cities like Haridwar or Rishikesh.
• You can take a bus or a taxi to Sonprayag, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek where you must travel to Sonprayag.
• From Sonprayag, you can take a jeep or a bus to Gaurikund and proceed. 
• Then, we trek to Kedarnath, as the final 16 km journey to the Kedarnath temple is a trek from Gaurikund. 

Travel to Kedarnath by Air:

• You can also travel to the Kedarnath temple by air. First, you must travel to the base location and then drive or take a bus to points like Guptkashi, Pata, or Sersi.
• Services are available to fly directly to the Kedarath helipad.
• It is advisable to book your helicopter ticket in advance, especially during the peak season, typically from May to October.

Travel to Kedarath by Train:

• You can also travel to Kedarnath Temple by train. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations to Kedarnath.
• You can take a bus or hire a taxi from these stations to reach Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek.

See also: 10 Famous Temples in Madhya Pradesh

Things to Consider when Travelling to the Kedarnath Temple

When travelling to the Kedarnath Temple, you must consider the high altitude, so acclimatise at a lower elevation, stay hydrated, and be physically prepared for the trek. Thus, the list of things that you must consider when travelling to the Kedarnath Temple is as follows.

• Acclimatise and Stay Hydrated. As Kedarnath is at a high altitude, drink plenty of water to prevent altitude-related issues.
• The trek is long and challenging; exercise regularly to prepare for the rugged terrain.
• Carry a first-aid kit with basic medications and personal prescriptions, especially for high altitude sickness. 
• Reserve accommodations, transport, and helicopter rides well in advance, especially during the peak season.
• Carry a good quality raincoat, poncho, and waterproof bags, as the weather can change rapidly.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes with a good grip for the trek.

After witnessing the critical details cited above, you must be further updated with all the essential information about Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and also the most popular spiritual site. Plan your itinerary according to the details provided above and get updated accordingly.

See also: 10 Most Iconic Temples in Maharashtra

FAQ's

How many days are enough to travel to the Kedarnath Temple?

A trip to the Kedarnath Temple generally requires 2 to 5 days when travelling by road, or even 1 day if you are using helicopter services, depending on the starting point and mode of transport. The actual trekking to the temple from Haurikund is a moderate, 16 km trek that takes 6 to 8 hours, but the total duration includes travel time to the base camp.

What is the best season to travel to the Kedarnath Temple?

The best season for pilgrims to travel to the Kedarnath Temple is summer, from May to June, and post-monsoon, from September to May. The warm, sunny days with a cool brepilgrimsile the post-monsoon period provide clear conditions and stable tracks.

Do I need to make the registration before visiting the Kedarnath temple?

Yes, you must register before visiting the Kedarnath Temple. The niometric registration or e-pass is mandatory for all pilgrims to ensure safety and manage crowds. Registration can be done online, through the app, and offline at designated counters. Thus, there is no fee for this essential registration process.

What are the festivals celebrated in the Kedarnath temple?

The primary festival at Kedarnath is the annual Badri-Kedar Utsav, a vibrant, eight-day celebration in June that features music, dance and spiritual discourses. Other festivals include Akshay Tritiys, Makar Sankranti, Navratri, Diwali, and Madmaheshwar Mela.

What are the popular things to purchase at the Kedarnath Temple?

Popular items to buy around the Kedarnath Temple include Rudraksha beads, puja kits, traditional woollen garments, various religious artefacts, and mementoes like carved deities or framed images. You can also find practical items such as waterproof ponchos, torches, trekking poles, local food items, and herbal medicines.