Kedarnath temple is regarded as one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva, is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand in the region of Himalayas. It is located on an elevation of about 3 583M ASL, and therefore considered one the hil highest altitude temples in the country. This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas which are among the holiest places to visit in India and included in Char Dham Yatra.
The temple was constructed by Adi Shankararcharya at the beginning of the 8th century AD, and it was placed close to the location of an ancient temple constructed by the Pandavas. The temple is constructed after large and heavy stone pieces, which have not eroded over the years and even if any disasters of nature such as earth quakes, etc,. The chief murti is a conical Shiva Linga which symbolises the Lord of destruction in the Sadashiva Avatara.
Meenakshi Temple 2025 : Timings,Darshans & Bookings
overview for Kedarnath Temple Darshan 2025
From Gaurikund, which is approximately 16 kilometers, every devotee has to trek to Kedarnath. For the physically unfit there is an opportunity to travel through ponies, palanquins or helicopter services. This journey in itself is a soul lifting experience with beautiful landscape around you.
It is accessible for darshan between the months of April and November, closing down for the winter since the region is covered with snow in winter. The other activities include morning and evening arti which are very popular and are attended by thousands of people from all over the country. It also has separate monthly and special pujas during Maha Shivaratri.
Kedarnath Temple is a worship place, an icon of faith, determination, and a beauty of nature. It is very spiritual to any individuals who make a point of coming to the city.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Kedarnath Temple |
| Location | Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India |
| Darshan Type | General Darshan, Special Puja, Rudrabhishek, Aarti Seva |
| Online Booking Portal | Official Uttarakhand Tourism Website or Mobile App |
| Booking Start Date | Typically begins in March/April 2024 |
| Darshan Timings | Morning: 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Evening: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Entry Fees | Free for General Darshan; Paid for Special Puja (₹500 – ₹2,000 approx.) |
| Registration Requirement | Mandatory for all pilgrims (includes biometric registration) |
| Dress Code | Modest and traditional attire (avoid shorts or sleeveless clothing) |
| Best Time to Visit | May to June, September to October (Avoid monsoon season) |
| How to Reach | Helicopter Service, Trekking (16 km from Gaurikund), Pony, or Doli |
| Accommodation | Guesthouses, Dharamshalas, and Hotels available in Kedarnath and Gaurikund |
| Important Notes | Carry valid ID proof, warm clothing, and essentials for the trek |
| Helicopter Service | Available from Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi (Prices: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 approx.) |
| Contact Information | Uttarakhand Tourism |
the Daily and Periodical Bhog for Kedarnath Temple
- Kheer Bhog (₹1001/-) – This donation is for the daily Kheer Bhog, which is distributed between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM.
- Yatri Bhog (₹101/- and above) – Devotees can donate for the daily meal provided to pilgrims, which is served around 1:00 PM.
- Pind Prasad (₹101/-) – This donation is for the Pind Daan ritual, a salvation offering, available around 8:00 AM.
- Akhand Jyoti for a Day (₹1500/-) – Devotees can donate ghee to keep the sacred eternal flame (Akhand Jyoti) burning for one full day.
- Akhand Jyoti for a Year (₹4951/-) – This donation ensures that the Akhand Jyoti continues to burn for an entire year.
- Ghee for Deepak on Closing Day (₹5100/-) – Devotees can donate ghee for lighting the sacred lamp (Deepak) on the temple’s closing day.
- Ghrit Kamble (Ghee-Soaked Blanket) on Closing Day (₹5100/-) – A special donation for offering a ghee-soaked blanket, which is used during the temple’s Kapat closing ceremony.
- Nitya Niyam Bhog for Shri Badarinath Ji (₹11,000/-) – This donation is used for the daily bhog (food offering) prepared for Shri Badarinath Ji and distributed around midday.
- Nitya Niyam Bhog for Deities of Subordinate Temples (₹7001/-) – A special offering for preparing daily bhog for the deities in nearby subordinate temples.
Uja/Bhog (Bandhaan Puja) – For Ten Years Kedarnath Temple
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Kanipakam Temple Puja, Path & Aarti Details
- Maha Bhog (₹32,501/-) – A grand offering of food is specially prepared and offered to Shri Badarinath Ji as a sacred ritual.
- Balbhog (₹7,301/-) – A smaller yet significant food offering made to Shri Badarinath Ji as part of the daily rituals.
- Abhishek Puja (₹44,201/-) – A special ritual where the deity is bathed using sacred materials such as milk, honey, and ghee.
- Vishnusahasranama Path (₹7,411/-) – A sacred recitation of the 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu, performed for divine blessings.
- Vishnusahasranamawali (₹9,101/-) – A more elaborate version of the chanting of Lord Vishnu’s 1,000 names, conducted with devotion.
- Astotari Path (₹4,301/-) – A devotional offering where the 108 names of Lord Vishnu are chanted for spiritual benefits.
- Swaran Aarti (₹5,201/-) – A worship ceremony performed using a golden lamp as part of the aarti ritual.
- Chandi Aarti (₹2,731/-) – A sacred aarti performed using a silver lamp as an offering to the deity.
- Kapoor Aarti (₹1,951/-) – A ritual worship conducted with camphor (kapoor) as part of the aarti ceremony.
Puja on Special Occasions Kedarnath Temple
Kanipakam Temple Special Puja & Utsav Details
- Bhagwan Nar Narayan Janmotsava (₹5,001/-) – A special festival conducted in the sacred month of Shravan to celebrate the birth of Bhagwan Nar Narayan.
- Deep Malika Utsav (₹5,001/-) – A big festival of lights that is observed during Deepawali, where several lamps are lit in reverence to the lord.
- Mata Murti Utsav (₹5,100/-) – Performed on the sacred day of Vaman Dwadasi, this festival is to worship Mata Murti.
- Shri Krishna Janmashtami Utsav (₹11,000/-) – A grand celebration of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna with devotion and rituals.
- Srawani Rudrabhishek (₹12,000/-) – A sacred Rudrabhishek performed in the month of Shravan to obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Day Puja Timings of kedarnath
Early Morning Puja
- Mahabhishek Puja (₹4,700/-) – This sacred ritual is performed between 4:30 AM and 6:30 AM, allowing one devotee to participate in the divine abhishekam of the deity.
- Abhishek Puja (₹4,500/-) – Conducted between 4:30 AM and 6:30 AM, this ritual involves the sacred bathing of the deity, performed with devotion.
Special Puja
- Entire Pujas of the Day (₹12,000/-) – A special offering that allows a devotee to participate in all the pujas conducted between 4:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
- Srimadbhagwat Sapth Path (₹51,000/-) – This grand recitation of the Srimad Bhagwat takes place from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM, providing a spiritually enriching experience.
Day Puja
- Ved Path (₹2,500/-) – A sacred recitation of the Vedas conducted in two slots: 7:30 AM – 12:00 Noon & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. One devotee is allowed to participate.
- Geeta Path (₹2,500/-) – Chanting of the Bhagavad Gita verses is performed during the same timings as Ved Path, bringing peace and wisdom to the devotee.
Evening Aarti/Puja/Path
- Kapoor Aarti (₹201/-) – A 6:00 PM to 6:10 PM aarti performed using camphor (Kapoor) as an offering to the deity.
- Chandi Aarti (₹401/-) – Conducted between 6:15 PM and 6:30 PM, this aarti is performed using a silver lamp to invoke divine blessings.
- Swaran Aarti (₹501/-) – A grand aarti performed between 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM using a golden lamp.
- Astotari Puja (₹401/-) – Held from 6:45 PM to 7:00 PM, this puja involves the chanting of 108 names of the deity.
- Vishnusahasranama Path (₹701/-) – A 7:00 PM to 7:20 PM recitation of the 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu, bestowing spiritual peace upon the devotee.
- Vishnusahasranamawali (₹601/-) – Conducted from 7:20 PM to 7:45 PM, this is a more detailed recitation of the Vishnusahasranama.
Temple Closing Puja/Path
- Shayan Aarti with Geet Govind Path (₹3,100/-) – This aarti is performed before the deity retires for the night. The timing varies, but it includes a melodious recital from the Geet Govind.
FAQs on Kedarnath Temple Darshan
What is Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra and is located in the Himalayas.
Where is Kedarnath Temple located?
The temple is in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.
What are the temple timings?
The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM during the pilgrimage season (May to October).
When is Kedarnath Temple open in 2025?
The temple usually opens in April/May and closes in October/November (exact dates depend on weather and Hindu calendar).
How to reach Kedarnath Temple?
- By Air: Nearest airport is Dehradun (239 km away).
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (216 km away).
- By Road: Reach Gaurikund (16 km from Kedarnath) by road, then trek or use a helicopter.
What is the distance of the trek to Kedarnath?
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16 km. It takes 6-8 hours on foot. Ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services are also available.
Is there a helicopter service to Kedarnath?
Yes, helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi. The flight takes about 10-15 minutes.
What is the temperature at Kedarnath?
During the pilgrimage season (May-October), the temperature ranges from 5°C to 18°C. Nights can be colder, dropping to 0°C or below.
Is there an entry fee for the temple?
No, there is no entry fee for Kedarnath Temple. It is free for all devotees.
What is special about Kedarnath Temple?
The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya.
Are there facilities for food and accommodation?
Yes, basic facilities like guesthouses, dharamshalas, and food stalls are available in Kedarnath and Gaurikund.
Is the temple accessible for disabled people?
The trek is challenging, but helicopter services can help disabled or elderly devotees reach the temple.
Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
Yes, people of all religions can visit Kedarnath Temple.
What should I wear during the visit?
Wear warm clothes as the weather is cold. Comfortable trekking shoes are recommended for the trek.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
The best time is from May to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant. Avoid monsoon season (July-August) due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
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