Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is an important center of the Char Dham Yatra. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the highest located Jyotirlingas in the world. Situated at a height of 11,755 feet (3,583 m), Kedarnath is a wonderful confluence of devotion, Himalayas and existence.A breathtaking view of Kedarnath Temple, located in the lap of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a revered pilgrimage site for millions.
History of the temple (History of Kedarnath Temple)
Kedarnath Temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, but this place is related to the Mahabharata period. It is said that the Pandavas had come to wash Shiva to atone for their sins. To save themselves from them, Shiva came here and took the form of a brother and hid himself.The historic Kedarnath Temple, believed to be established by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya, stands resilient in the Garhwal Himalayas.
The Pandavas caught his rear part which appeared here in the form of a Linga. Kedarnath Temple is the form of this Linga.Shiva, avoiding them, took refuge in the Himalayas and disguised himself as a bull (Nandi). When the Pandavas spotted him, he dived into the ground, and different parts of his body appeared in different locations — the hump at Kedarnath, arms at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, navel at Madhyamaheshwar, and hair at Kalpeshwar.
The spirit of the temple (Spiritual Significance)
- Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
- It is the most important shrine of Panch Kedar
- Lord Shiva’s back form can be seen here
- Devotees get the opportunity to attain salvation here
Geography of Kedarnath (Location & Altitude)
- Location: Garhwal Himalayas, on the banks of Mandakini River
- Altitude: 11,755 feet
- Surroundings: Snow-clad peaks, glaciers and valleys
- Weather: April–June cold, July–August monsoon, September–October cool and clear
Kedarnath Yatra – (How to reach)
Nearest base: Gaurikund
Travel route:
- Road from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Sonprayag
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund (5 km)
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple trek (16–18 km)
Trek Options: For Kedarnath Temple
- On foot
- Doli/Palki
- Horse/Ponies
- Helicopter (from Phata, Guptkashi, Sersi)
Darshan Timings & Aarti Of Kedarnath Temple
- Opening Time: 4:00 AM (April-May)
- Closing Time: 9:00 PM
- Bhog Aarti: 4:30 AM
- Shayan Aarti: 9:00 PM
- Special Pooja: Rudrabhishek, Mahabhishek, Laghu Rudra Pooja (advance booking)
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple
- May to June: Pleasant and dry
- September to October: Scenic and peaceful
- Avoid July–August: Heavy monsoon and landslides
- Winter Months (Nov–April):The temple remains closed; Baba’s idol is installed in Ukhimath
2025 Kedarnath Temple Opening Date (Expected)
- Tentative Opening: May 10, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya)
- The official date is generally announced at the end of April
Travel Tips for Kedarnath Temple Yatra
- Online registration mandatory (Uttarakhand Tourism Department)
- Carry water bottle, glucose, light snacks while on the trek
- Weather is unpredictable – raincoat, warm clothes are a must
- If the fitness is a little good then the trek is easy
- Food and stay options are available in Gaurikund, Rambara and Kedarnath
Nearby Places to Explore From Kedarnath Temple
- Bhairavnath Temple – situated above Kedarnath Temple; protects the Dham
- Vasuki Tal – 8 km trek, glacier lake
- Shankaracharya Samadhi – Adi Guru’s Samadhi is near the temple
Conclusion
Kedarnath Temple is not just a temple, it is an experience. As soon as you reach here, you feel the power, sacrifice and purity amidst the Himalayas. Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake such a difficult journey just to have a glimpse of Shiva – because here one gets the true vision of Shiva.
The current stone temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas thousands of years ago. However, the present structure is often credited to Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century Hindu philosopher and saint
