Kedarnath Temple
The highest Jyotirlinga in the Himalayas
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About Kedarnath Temple
Standing at over 3,500 metres amid the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is the loftiest of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a part of the Chota Char Dham. The conical Shiva linga, set against the towering Kedarnath peak, draws pilgrims on a strenuous trek that is itself an act of devotion.
Aarti Timings
- Mangala Aarti04:00
- Maha Abhishek06:00
- Sandhya Aarti18:00
- Shayan Aarti20:30
Timings are indicative and may change on festival days.
Festivals & Sacred Days
Kapaat Opening (Akshaya Tritiya)
April–MayThe temple doors open for the season amid Vedic chanting; the deity is brought back from its winter seat at Ukhimath.
Maha Shivaratri
February–MarchObserved at the winter seat in Ukhimath, as the high shrine itself remains snowbound and closed.
Kapaat Closing (Bhai Dooj)
October–NovemberThe shrine closes for winter after a final aarti; the deity descends to Ukhimath for six months.
Poojas & Sevas
Maha Abhishek
06:00Early-morning bathing of the Kedarnath linga with ghee, honey and water — devotees may touch the linga during this seva.
Rudrabhishek
Vedic recitation of the Rudram with abhishek, a powerful offering at the Himalayan Jyotirlinga.
Shodashopachar Puja
Sixteen-step ceremonial worship of Lord Kedareshwar conducted by the Rawal's priests.
Travel Guide
Address
Kedarnath Temple, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand 246445
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (240 km to Gaurikund)
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh Railway Station (216 km to Gaurikund)
Best Season
May to June and September to October. The shrine is closed roughly November to April due to heavy Himalayan snow.
Dress Code
Warm woollen clothing essential even in summer. Modest dress and sturdy trekking shoes recommended.
How to reach
Drive to Gaurikund, then a 16 km trek (or pony/palki/helicopter) to the temple. Helicopter services run from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi.
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