BhaktiVedAbout the temple
At about 3,580 m among snow peaks on the Mandakini, Kedarnath opens each year only from around Akshaya Tritiya until Bhai Dooj; in winter the deity is worshipped at Ukhimath.
The legend
After Kurukshetra the Pandavas sought Shiva to be cleansed of sin; he hid as a bull and sank into the earth as Bhima caught him. The hump that remained is worshipped here as the linga, first of the Panch Kedar. Adi Shankara is said to have restored the temple and attained samadhi here.
What makes it special
- About 16 km trek from Gaurikund; helicopter services also run
- Adi Shankara's samadhi behind the temple
- The Bhim Shila boulder that shielded the temple in the 2013 floods
Main festivals
How to reach
- 🚆 Nearest railway station
- Rishikesh (about 215 km by road to Gaurikund)
- ✈️ Nearest airport
- Dehradun Jolly Grant
Before you go
Registration with the Uttarakhand government is mandatory for the Char Dham yatra. This is high altitude: elderly pilgrims and those with heart or breathing conditions should consult a doctor first.
Darshan and seva timings change with the season and festivals. Confirm them with the temple's official website or office before you travel.
Stotras for this deity
All stotras →
Combine with these temples
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is in Kedarnath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand.
Who is the presiding deity at Kedarnath?
Sri Kedarnath (Shiva).
How do I reach Kedarnath?
Nearest railway station: Rishikesh (about 215 km by road to Gaurikund). Nearest airport: Dehradun Jolly Grant.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
May–June and September–October (landslide risk in the monsoon).
What are the darshan timings at Kedarnath?
Darshan and seva timings change with the season and festivals. Confirm them with the temple's official website or office before you travel.