Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple History, Timings, Route information

Kedarnath Temple History

As per the Legend, Pandavas after victory in the battle over Kauravas thought of visiting Varanasi to get rid of the sin of killings their brothers. Lord Siva was not willing to offer Darshan to the Pandavas and took the form of a bull and moved to Guptakashi. On knowing this Pandavas reached Guptakashi seeking blessings from Lord Siva. Lord Siva who was not willing to offer Darshan, tried to enter underground. On seeing this Bhima, tried to hold bull’s hump. Lord Siva went underground leaving hump in the hands of Pandava brother. The hump was installed and worshipped at Kedarnath.

Pandavas installed and offered prayers to the hump, which later turned into a rock form. Lord Siva was pleased and offered Darshan to the Pandavas and absolved the Sins. The other shrines near Kedarnath where Lord Siva is worshipped are Tungnath for arms, Rudranath for face, Kalpeshwar for hair, Madmaheshwar for Naval. All these five Shrines, Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Kalpeshwar and Madmaheshwar are called as Panch Kedar. This temple is located at an altitude of 11,500 ft in the Himalaya mountains. Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Kedarnath Opening Months: May month to Deepavali.

After Deepavali to May month, Temple remains closed. During this time, Prayers will be offered for the Processional deity at UkhiMath during this time.

Kedarnath Temple Timings

Opening Hours: 4:00 am – 8:00 pm

How to reach Kedarnath Temple?

By Air

The nearest international airport is at Jolly Grant which is 260 km away.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh which is 263 km away.

By Road

It is journey thru Haridwar and Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, the temple is 221 km away which passes thru mountains.
From GauriKund temple is 14 km away. From GauriKund, it is by walk, or by mules or by person lifting.

Kedarnath Temple Images