Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple: The Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva

Nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Temple stands as one of the most revered shrines in the Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual solace and divine blessings. The temple's location near the source of the Mandakini River adds to its serene beauty and spiritual significance.

🕰️ History of Kedarnath Temple

The origins of the Kedarnath Temple are steeped in mythological tales. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to absolve their sins. Disguised as a bull, Lord Shiva attempted to evade them. However, Bhima, one of the Pandavas, caught hold of his hump, while the rest of his body parts are believed to have appeared at four other sacred sites, collectively known as the Panch Kedar.

📅 Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Dates (2025)

The Kedarnath Temple is scheduled to open on May 2, 2025, at 7:00 AM, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. This date was determined through traditional rituals and astrological calculations by the priests at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The temple will close for the winter season on October 23, 2025, at 8:30 AM.

🛕 Architecture and Structure

The Kedarnath Temple is constructed using massive grey stone slabs, arranged in an interlocking pattern without the use of mortar or cement. This unique construction technique has withstood the test of time and natural calamities. Inside the temple, the main deity is represented by a triangular-shaped Shiva Lingam, believed to be the hump of Lord Shiva. The temple also houses idols of the Pandavas, Draupadi, Lord Krishna, and Kunti in the mandapa section.

🕉️ Rituals and Pooja Timings

The temple observes two main aartis daily:

• Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
• Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

During the morning sessions, devotees can participate in various poojas, including Mahabhishek, Rudrabhishek, and Laghurudrabhishek, with charges ranging from ₹1,100 to ₹1,700 per person. In the evening, rituals like the recitation of Shiva Sahasranama and Shiva Mahimnastotra are performed. The temple remains open for darshan from 7:00 AM to 3