Kedarnath Dham is a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is located at an altitude of 3,586 meters in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Kedarnath Temple is one of the Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand and also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Kedarnath Temple holds deep spiritual and mythological significance. To seek Lord Shiva's blessings, thousands of pilgrims visit Kedarnath Dham each year. It is believed Kedarnath Dham to be associated with the Mahabharata era, when the Pandavas visited this region to seek penance after the Kurukshetra war.
The Kedarnath Temple is surrounded by snow-capped hills and provides stunning vistas of verdant valleys and the Himalayas. It is believed the temple was reconstructed or re-established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. To reach Kedarnath Temple, pilgrims must undertake a 19 km trek from Gaurikund, although alternative options such as palki (palanquin), pony rides, and helicopter services are also available for ease of travel.
The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is announced every year on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which falls in February or March. Generally, the temple doors open in the last week of April or the first week of May, usually around Akshaya Tritiya. On the opening day, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers, and the occasion is marked with grand celebrations and traditional rituals as the deity of Lord Kedarnath is ceremoniously brought back to the temple.
The closing date of Kedarnath Temple is usually around Bhai Dooj, which is two days after Diwali, in October or November. After the closure, the temple remains shut for six months due to the harsh winter conditions and heavy snowfall in the region. During this period, the deity is shifted to Ukhimath, which serves as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, where devotees can continue to offer prayers.
Kedarnath Temple opens for darshan on May 02, 2025.
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