Mahabhishek (Sanctum Entry)
OfficialOnly puja that grants entry into the Garbhagriha; performed 4-7 AM.
90 min
Highest Kedarnath ritual; touching Shiva himself.
₹1,100
Book Official 
Timings
Opens 4–5 AM
See full schedule below
Main Festivals
4 major
Temple Opening (Kapat Kholna)
Dress Code
Traditional
Details below
Entry
Free
Pujas are paid
Book Puja via Darshya
Verified priests, video proof, prasad delivery to your door
Official Temple Booking
Direct booking on the temple's official site
Opens the temple's official website in a new tab
Watch Live Darshan
Real-time video stream from the sanctum
About Kedarnath Temple
History
Kedarnath sits at 3,583 m in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is among the holiest Jyotirlingas, one of the Panch Kedars, and a key stop on the Char Dham Yatra. Legend says the Pandavas, seeking Shiva to absolve the sin of killing their kin at Kurukshetra, chased him to the Himalayas. Shiva took the form of a bull and dived into the ground — leaving his hump at Kedarnath, arms at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, navel at Madhyamaheshwar and hair at Kalpeshwar. The temple is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya (8th century), who is said to have attained mahasamadhi here; his samadhi is behind the temple. The structure has withstood centuries of harsh weather and remains closed for about 6 months each year under snow. The 2013 Kedarnath flash floods destroyed the region but spared the temple itself — the famous "Bhim Shila" boulder that stopped the waters is worshipped on the premises.
Significance
One of the Chota Char Dhams and among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Darshan of Kedarnath is considered an essential part of a Hindu life cycle, especially after Badrinath.
About the Deity
The lingam is a conical, pyramidal rock — the hump of the bull form of Shiva. It is unique among Jyotirlingas for being triangular rather than cylindrical.
Pujas Offered (7)
Rudrabhishek
Full Rudram chanting with Panchamrit and Gangotri jal.
90 min Video proof
Health, prosperity, longevity.
₹1,900
Book NowShodashopachar Puja
16-step traditional puja.
2 hours Video proof
Removes accumulated negative karma.
₹2,500
Book NowLaghu Rudra
11 priests chanting Rudram 11 times.
4 hours Video proof
Major sankalp fulfilment.
₹7,500
Book NowMaha Rudra
121 Rudram chants with havan.
Full day Video proof
Once-in-a-lifetime puja at Kedar.
₹21,000
Book NowSamputit Maha Rudra
The most elaborate Shiva puja — 1,331 Rudram chants.
3 days Video proof
Reserved for major life sankalps.
₹51,000
Book NowHelicopter Darshan Package
OfficialPhata/Sirsi – Kedarnath helicopter + priority darshan.
4 hours
Accessible darshan for elderly/health-limited devotees.
₹8,000
Book Official Festivals & Events
- Temple Opening (Kapat Kholna)Akshaya Tritiya (April/May)
- Temple Closing (Kapat Bandh)Bhai Dooj after Diwali (October/November)
- Badri-Kedar UtsavJune
- Maha Shivaratri (at Ukhimath winter seat)February / March
Plan Your Visit
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (239 km). Helicopter from Dehradun/Phata/Guptkashi recommended.
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh (223 km) or Haridwar (240 km)
By Road
Road journey ends at Gaurikund (15 km from temple). The final 15 km must be covered on foot, pony, doli (palanquin) or helicopter. Trek takes 5–7 hours one way.
Where to Stay
- GMVN Tourist Rest House (government)
- Punjab Sindh Awas (dharamshala)
- Sri Bharat Sewa Ashram
- Guptkashi hotels (for early-morning trek start)
- Kedarnath Tent City (seasonal)
- Phata and Sitapur hotels (helicopter base)
Nearby Attractions
- Bhairavnath Temple (essential post-darshan stop)
- Adi Shankara Samadhi (behind the temple)
- Gauri Kund (hot springs)
- Vasuki Tal (trek)
- Chorabari Tal / Gandhi Sarovar
- Triyuginarayan (Shiva-Parvati wedding site)
Opening Hours
Morning
Kapat opens 4:00 AM; Mahabhishek 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Afternoon
General darshan 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Evening
Shringar and Sandhya Aarti 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM; Shayan Aarti 8:30 PM
Dress Code
Warm woollens mandatory — even in summer temperatures are 5–15°C. Traditional attire preferred for sanctum entry.
Rules & Guidelines
- Registration mandatory via registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Health certificate required for devotees above 55 or with conditions
- Do not attempt the trek in poor weather — follow rescue team guidance
- No plastic bottles allowed on the trek
- Photography permitted in the outer courtyard; not in sanctum
- Helicopter tickets only via IRCTC Heli Yatra portal
Pilgrim's Note
Temple remains open only 6 months a year (late April/May to November). In winter the deity is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath. Registration and health check are mandatory. Carry warm clothing, ID proof, medicines and emergency cash.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Devotees
“Trekked from Gaurikund — 7 hours up. The moment you see the Kedarnath temple against the snow peaks, the fatigue vanishes.”
JR
Jitendra Rana
Delhi
“Booked helicopter and Mahabhishek together. Touched the lingam — tears just flowed. Pure Mahadev.”
LP
Lata Prabhu
Mumbai
“Darshya arranged the puja and priests booked in advance. No hassle on ground.”
RA
Ramesh Agarwal
Kolkata
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kedarnath open?
Late April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) to October/November (Bhai Dooj). Exact dates announced yearly.
Is helicopter available?
Yes — from Phata, Sirsi and Guptkashi. Book only via IRCTC Heli Yatra (official).
How hard is the trek?
15–16 km one way from Gaurikund, steep in parts. Ponies and dolis available. Plan 2 days for a comfortable yatra.
Can I visit in winter?
No. Visit Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, where the deity is worshipped during the winter months.
Do I need to register?
Yes, all pilgrims must register on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in — mandatory since 2022.
