Kedarnath Jyotirlinga ✓

📍 Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

⭐ Featured National Significance

Located at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is the highest among all Jyotirlingas and is accessible only for six months due to extreme weather conditions.

🕒 Practical Information

Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Open only from April/May to October/November)

Darshan Timings: Morning: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Evening: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Timing may vary based on weather conditions.

Entry Fee: Free (No entry fee for temple, but helicopter and accommodation charges apply)

Parking: ✓ Available

🕉️ Spiritual Details

Primary Deity:

Lord Kedarnath (Shiva)

Temple Type:

Jyotirlinga and Char Dham

Deity Forms:

Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath, Sadashiva

✨ Spiritual Highlights

Unique Powers:

The temple is believed to grant moksha (liberation) and is considered one of the most powerful places for spiritual transformation. The challenging journey itself is believed to purify the soul and wash away all sins.

Miracle Beliefs:

The temple is famous for its miraculous survival during natural calamities. Many devotees have experienced divine protection during the treacherous journey. The temple is believed to grant the blessings of Lord Shiva for overcoming all life's challenges.

Devotee Practices:

Undertaking the challenging trek as an act of devotion, offering prayers at the triangular rock formation, participating in morning and evening aarti, offering gangajal and bilva leaves, and meditation in the Himalayan environment.

Spiritual Benefits:

Spiritual liberation, purification of soul, divine protection, strength to overcome challenges, peace of mind, and blessings for spiritual advancement. The journey itself is considered spiritually transformative.

📖 About Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath Temple, situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is the highest located Jyotirlinga. The temple is part of the famous Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar circuit. According to Hindu mythology, this is where the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva for forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war. The temple houses a triangular-shaped rock worshipped as Lord Shiva. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is only accessible from April to November. The temple survived the devastating 2013 floods, which is considered miraculous. The journey to Kedarnath involves a challenging trek, making it a test of devotion and physical endurance.

🏛️ Architecture & Heritage

Architectural Style:

Ancient Himalayan Style (8th Century CE (established by Adi Shankaracharya))

Architecture Highlights:

Ancient stone architecture built to withstand extreme weather, magnificent backdrop of snow-capped peaks, stone carved temple with minimal ornamentation suited for harsh climate

Sacred Objects:

Triangular rock formation (Jyotirlinga), ancient temple structure, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and glacial surroundings

🎉 Festivals & Celebrations

Major Festivals:

Kedarnath Opening (Akshaya Tritiya) Kedarnath Closing (Bhai Dooj) Shravan Month Maha Shivaratri celebration at lower altitude

Festival Dates:

Temple Opening: April/May (Akshaya Tritiya), Closing: October/November (Bhai Dooj), Shravan celebrations: July-August

Special Events:

Daily morning and evening aarti, special pujas during opening and closing ceremonies

Seasonal Celebrations:

Summer season worship, monsoon challenges, autumn closing ceremony with special rituals

🙏 Rituals & Traditions

Daily Rituals:

Daily aarti ceremonies, abhishekam of the sacred rock, special rituals during opening and closing seasons, and traditional Himalayan worship practices

Special Traditions:

Challenging trek as spiritual practice, seasonal opening and closing ceremonies, worship of the sacred triangular rock, and the tradition of carrying Gangajal from Gaumukh

Prasada Available:

Simple prasadam including fruits, sweets, and sacred items. Limited due to remote location and weather conditions.

👕 Visitor Guidelines

Dress Code:

Warm clothing mandatory due to cold weather. Traditional attire preferred but practical warm clothes acceptable. Proper trekking gear required.

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible due to high altitude and trekking requirements. Only accessible by foot, helicopter, or pony/doli for those unable to trek.

🎥 Videos

🕉️ Divine Snapshot

Primary Deity:

Lord Kedarnath (Shiva)

Temple Category:

Jyotirlinga and Char Dham

Temple Timings:

6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Open only from April/May to October/November)

Location:

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Full Address:

Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand 246445, India

✈️ How to Reach

✈️

Nearest Airport:

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (239 km to Gaurikund)

🚂

Nearest Railway:

Rishikesh Railway Station (239 km to Gaurikund)

🚌

Nearest Bus Stop:

Gaurikund (last motorable point, 16 km trek to temple)

Travel Tips:

By Road: Drive to Gaurikund via Rishikesh-Rudraprayag-Guptkashi route. From Gaurikund, 16 km trek required. Helicopter services available from Phata/Sersi. Physical fitness essential.

🏨 Accommodation

Limited accommodation available including government guest houses, private hotels, and camps. Advance booking essential. Accommodation also available in Gaurikund.

🗺️ Nearby Attractions

Chopta, Tungnath, Gaurikund, Triyuginarayan Temple, Vasuki Tal, and other Panch Kedar temples

🙏 Associated Deities

Goddess Parvati Lord Ganesha Nandi Bhairav Five Pandavas

🎧 Audio Guide Available

Audio guide is available for this temple to enhance your spiritual experience.