shaiva · Uttarakhand

Kedarnath

श्री केदारनाथ

Presiding deity: Lord Shiva (Kedarnath — Lord of the Kedar field; conical Shivalinga as a hump)

Established: Per Mahabharata; current temple 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya

Darshan timings

04:00–13:00, 17:00–21:00 IST

Average wait

1–4 hours (after the trek)

Best season

May–October only (closed in winter)

Daily visitors

10,000–20,000 (peak: 30,000+ during May opening)

Significance

One of 12 Jyotirlingas AND one of Panch Kedar. The Pandavas built it seeking Shiva's absolution for the Kurukshetra war.

Legend

Shiva avoided Pandavas by taking form of a bull; recognized by Bhima at Guptkashi, dove into earth — five body parts emerged at five sites (Kedarnath hump, Tungnath arms, Rudranath face, Madhyamaheshwar navel, Kalpeshwar matted hair).

How to reach

Gaurikund → Kedarnath: 16 km trek (6–8 hrs) OR pony/palki/helicopter (Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi pads)

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Dehradun (240 km from Sonprayag base)

Nearest railway: Haridwar / Rishikesh — then road to Sonprayag (12 km from Gaurikund)

Where to stay

GMVN Tourist Camp Kedarnath (limited); rebuilt accommodations post-2013 flood; tented camps

Primary pujas performed here

Maha Abhishek (ghee massage on linga)
Shodashopachara Puja
Pandav Aarti
Doli return procession

What to offer: Bel patra, ghee for the linga, bhasma (sacred ash)

Dress code

Heavy warm clothing essential (altitude 3,583m); waterproof for sudden weather changes

Photo policy

Phones allowed in complex; banned inside sanctum

Modern access

Post-2013 flood rebuild: new pedestrian path, helipad infrastructure, weather monitoring. Statue of Adi Shankara installed 2021 behind temple. Now safer than ever despite altitude.

✓ Online booking available

Nearby tirthas

Bhairav Mandir (above temple)
Vasuki Tal
Chorabari Tal
Gandhi Sarovar
Triyuginarayan