shaiva · Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

केदारनाथ ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग

Presiding deity: Lord Shiva (Kedarnath — Lord of the Field)

Established: 8th century CE consecration by Adi Shankaracharya; pre-historic site

Darshan timings

04:00-19:00 IST when open

Average wait

2-4 hours general; 30 min VIP through registered booking

Best season

May-October (closed Nov-Apr due to snow)

Daily visitors

8,000-15,000 regular; 30,000+ on opening day; closed Nov-Apr

Significance

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas + part of Char Dham. Located at 3,584 m altitude in Himalayas — the highest of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Believed to be where Lord Shiva took refuge as a bull to evade the Pandavas. The current temple structure dates to 8th century CE consecration by Adi Shankaracharya. Closed half the year due to snow. Survived the 2013 Uttarakhand floods miraculously while surrounding structures were destroyed — strengthened its spiritual mystique.

Legend

The Pandavas, seeking absolution for the Mahabharata war, pursued Lord Shiva who hid as a bull at Kedarnath. When Bhima recognised him, Shiva dove into the earth — the hump remained at Kedarnath, while other body parts emerged at the Panch Kedar sites (Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar). Adi Shankaracharya took mahasamadhi here in 9th century after consecrating the temple — his samadhi adjacent to the main shrine.

How to reach

Hill-trek from Gaurikund (16km), or helicopter from Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi. From Dehradun airport (250km) take taxi to Sonprayag then trek/heli.

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250km)

Nearest railway: Rishikesh Station (220km)

Where to stay

GMVN guest houses + small ashrams + budget hotels around Kedarnath temple complex; advance booking essential

Primary pujas performed here

kedarnath-darshan
rudrabhishek
maha-shivaratri-special
akshay-tritiya-opening
shiva-mahapuja

What to offer: Bilva leaves, white flowers, rudraksha, milk for abhishek, ganga jal, dakshina

Dress code

Warm traditional attire (high altitude); woolens essential; head covering recommended; bare feet inside garbhagriha only

Photo policy

Photography permitted in outer courtyard and trek route; prohibited inside main shrine

Modern access

2013 Uttarakhand floods killed 5,000+ in the area but the Kedarnath temple itself survived intact — strengthened pilgrimage. Annual yatra (May-Oct) draws 1.5M+ pilgrims. Helicopter booking via Uttarakhand Tourism. Strong NRI Uttarakhandi diaspora pilgrimage from US/UK. PM Modi rebuilding of temple complex (2017-22) increased capacity to 250K+ daily peak.

✓ Online booking available✓ VIP darshan available

Nearby tirthas

badrinath-temple
tungnath-panch-kedar
gangotri-yamunotri
haridwar-har-ki-pauri