Kedarnath Temple: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit in 2025
Uttarakhand, also known as the “Land of Gods,” is home to Lord Shiva. Every inch of this sacred land is dedicated to the worship of Bholenath. After Mount Kailash, one of Lord Shiva’s most beloved places is Kedarnath Dham. Located in Rudraprayag district, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds a key place in the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. The temple remains open to devotees from May to November every year. Due to heavy snowfall during winter, the doors of Kedarnath Temple are closed. Every year, thousands of devotees eagerly wait for the announcement of the temple’s reopening date. So, when will Kedarnath Temple open in 2025? Let’s find out!
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2025
The opening and closing dates of the Kedarnath Temple are determined based on astrological and religious calculations. Traditionally, the temple’s opening date is announced on Maha Shivratri, an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva’s worship. Like every year, the date for opening the temple in 2025 will also be declared on Maha Shivratri. In 2025, Maha Shivratri falls on February 26, and on this day, the official announcement for Kedarnath’s reopening date will be made. However, based on early estimations, the temple is expected to open between May 2 and May 10, 2025. Devotees will have to wait for the final confirmation on Maha Shivratri.
Kedarnath Temple Timings for Darshan & Aarti
- Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Morning Darshan: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Temple Closed: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Divine Kedarnath Temple
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, between the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, Kedarnath is one of the most revered shrines of Lord Shiva. It is the most significant of the Panch Kedar temples. The name Kedarnath means “Lord of the Fields.” According to a popular legend, the land where the temple stands today was once a marshy area where two sages, Nara and Narayana, performed deep meditation to please Lord Shiva. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva appeared before them and promised to reside in this holy land forever. Kedarnath is also remembered for the devastating floods of 2013, which caused massive destruction. Despite the calamity, the temple stood firm, making it a symbol of divine protection. The connection between Shiva and Uttarakhand is ancient, which is why it is often said, “Every stone in Uttarakhand is a form of Lord Shiva.”
History of Kedarnath Temple
There are many beliefs and legends about the temple’s origins. It is believed that the present-day Kedarnath Temple was built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, near an ancient temple built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era.
Some historians suggest that the temple dates back to the 12th or 13th century, but its exact age remains unknown. However, the self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Lingam inside the sanctum is considered to be thousands of years old. The unique triangular Shiva Lingam inside the temple resembles the hump of a bull.
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and can be reached through different travel routes.
By Air
- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
- From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then travel to Gaurikund, Phata, or Sirsi by road.
- Helicopter services are available from Phata, Sirsi, and Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
- Pre-booking for helicopter rides is required.
By Road
- Direct bus services are available from Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to Gaurikund.
- Gaurikund is the last motorable point before Kedarnath. From here, pilgrims have to cover a 14 km trek to reach the temple.
- Palkis (palanquins), ponies, and mules are also available for those unable to walk.
By Train
- The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 200 km from Kedarnath.
- From Rishikesh, buses and taxis are available to Gaurikund.
Trekking to Kedarnath
- After reaching Gaurikund, you need to trek 14 km to the temple.
- The path is well-maintained, with rest stops, food stalls, and medical facilities along the way.
