May 9, 2024
By: Ayush MehrotraIn 2024, the sacred doors of the Holy Shrine will open on May 10 at approximately 6:30 AM, accompanied by special puja rituals.
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Kedarnath is one of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, along with Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. It is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, sacred representations of Lord Shiva.
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Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, Kedarnath is one of the highest Jyotirlinga shrines in India, nestled amidst the Garhwal Himalayas
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The temple is not directly accessible by road. Pilgrims must undertake a trek of about 16 kilometres (10 miles) from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath. It's a challenging but spiritually rewarding journey.
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The Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been constructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. It is built of large, heavy, evenly cut grey stone slabs, and its architecture is typical of the North Indian style.
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Despite being situated in a region prone to seismic activity and harsh weather conditions, the Kedarnath Temple has withstood numerous natural disasters over centuries, including earthquakes and snowstorms.
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The Kedarnath Valley is surrounded by stunning peaks, including the majestic Kedarnath Peak (6,940 meters or 22,769 feet) and the imposing Mandakini and Saraswati rivers flowing nearby, adding to its mystical charm.
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The Kedarnath Temple remains open to devotees only for about six months each year, from May to November, due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions during the winter months.
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