The Kedarnath temple is indeed one of the twelve holy ‘Jyotirlingas’ and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated in the Kedarnath Valley in the state of Uttarakhand, this place is part of the Char Dham Yatra tourism destination, which thousands of devotees and trekkers visit annually. This site has a great history and religious importance, with beautiful scenery of the Himalayan ranges, making it a place of divine natural beauty.
Before you make the arrangements to visit the temple, the information regarding the best time to visit and how are some essential factors you should know. Here in this blog, we have provided all the information about the Char Dham tour package and the Kedarnath tour package you may need before visiting.
Table of Contents
Kedarnath Temple Overview
Kedarnath temple is Lord Shiva’s temple, located among the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is an important pilgrimage site in Hinduism, situated at a height of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). History from the Mahabharata epic reveals that the Pandavas built it.
The Spiritual Significance
This temple is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas and is considered significant for pilgrims performing the Char Dham Yatra. This yatra comprises Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, all sacred places for Hindus.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is closed for winter from November to April due to snowing. The best time to travel is from May to October. It is opened to the public after the temple’s inauguration on Akshay-Tritya (usually in May). The peak pilgrimage season falls between May and June and September to October, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Key Tips:
- The recommended season to visit is May-October.
- Avoid winter months: Due to snow, the temple is closed for most of the winter season.
Timing is key because the weather determines whether one will have a fun experience when visiting this place.
Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Timings
The timings for the darshan in Kedarnath Temple can be separately planned as Rawal and other committee members decide. The temple is closed from 3 pm to 5 pm, so make sure you visit the temple before 3 pm. Visitors cannot touch idle and do Abhishek with Ghee before 3 pm. No one can touch the idle after 5 pm, but they may get Darshan within a distance. At this time, idle puts on an Emperor dress.
Aarti Timings in Kedarnath
The pooja at the Kedarnath temple continues from the early morning at 4.00 am with Maha Abhishek and finishes at 7.00 pm with the Shyan aarti. The temple remains open for people to have darshan from 6 in the morning; it is closed between 3 pm and 5 pm. Darshan’s timings for pilgrims in Kedarnath are from 7.00 pm in the evening.
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple
Although reaching Kedarnath Temple is not very hard, the trek to the main temple is quite tiring and challenging at specific stretches. But if you are interested in adventure, then you will definitely love it.
By Air: Kedarnath does not have an airport; therefore, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest civil aviation terminal. Away from Kedarnath by about 250 km, Jolly Grant airport is linked with many other parts of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, and Chennai.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh Railway Station, situated 173 km away, opposite Kedarnath, and the nearest railway station within the Kedarnath area is Haridwar, which is only 210 km away. Nearest railhead: Rishikesh Railway station is approximately 210 km away from Gaurikund and is directly connected with all the country’s major cities with regular trains.
Activities around Kedarnath Temple
The terrain of Kedarnath temple has amazing, beautiful places that indicate the shrine’s beauty. The following are some of the activities that can be of great fascination to those who decide to visit Kedarnath temple:
- A holy dip at Gaurikund.
- Trekking to Vasuki Tal.
- Visiting the site of Gandhi Sarovar.
- Paying darshan to the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya.
- Trekking to Chorabari Tal.
- Worshiping at Anusuya Devi Temple
Kedarnath Temple Safety Tips
Kedarnath is a beautiful place; reaching it is also an adventure as the area is extremely cold and the terrain is pretty steep. Here are a few Kedarnath Temple safety tips that may be useful for Kedarnath Yatra during this tour:
- Drink water: The journey can be physically demanding, so drink plenty of water.
- Dress appropriately: The climate can vary quickly, so bring layers when going out, even if it is hot in the summer.
- Prevention: Do not overexert yourself while walking; rest occasionally when trekking.
- Medical Kit: Carry a basic medical kit, especially for high-altitude travel.
Therefore, it is possible to ensure the visit is safe and create an unforgettable experience through the following steps.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, Kedarnath Temple is one of the best places to visit to achieve spiritual awakening. From the historical background of this temple to the beautiful sceneries that tourists can embrace, it is truly an unforgettable trip. If you are willing to opt for a Char dham Yatra tour package or plan the trip on your own, a certain level of preparation is always beneficial for an enjoyable trip.
When planning for the trip, do not just focus on Kedarnath but center your focus on the journey, as it is part of the shrine, too. This makes the trek, the temple, the weather, and the surrounding environment so special for this pilgrimage.
Begin your journey to Kedarnath and get a feeling that your spirit and mind have taken a new high!
