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Grivam / Temples / Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple

Also known as: கேதார்நாத் கோயில் · కేదార్‌నాథ్ ఆలయం · केदारनाथ मंदिर

Uttarakhand Shiva

Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed below. It has not yet been reviewed by the temple or local devotees.

The highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas, in the Himalaya at 3,583 m, open only from April to November.

Deity
Kedarnath (Shiva)
Tradition
Shiva
Place
Kedarnath, Rudraprayag
State
Uttarakhand
Era
Builder and date uncertain. Tradition credits the Pandavas.

Sthala Puranam

A folk story says the Pandavas, wanting forgiveness for the sins of the Kurukshetra war, went looking for Shiva. Shiva took the form of a bull and Bhima caught it, but the bull's body split and its parts appeared at five places. The Pandavas built temples at each, forming the Panch Kedar.

The page notes that the Mahabharata itself does not mention Kedarnath.

Speciality

  • The highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The main image is a three-sided, self-formed lingam, and ghee is rubbed on it in a ritual.
  • The temple is open from April (Akshaya Tritiya) to November (Kartika Purnima). In winter the deity is taken to Ukhimath.
  • The builder and date are not known. The Skanda Purana (about 7th–8th century) mentions Kedarnath, and Adi Shankara is believed to have revived the temple.
  • In the 2013 floods the temple was not badly damaged, but the town around it was badly hit.

How to reach

By airJolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 240 km to Gaurikund.
By trainRishikesh or Haridwar, then road.
By roadRoad goes up to Gaurikund. From there it is a trek of about 16 km, or by pony or helicopter where available. Check current arrangements.
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Location is approximate.

Before you go

  • Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
  • Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
  • Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
  • Altitude is high and weather changes fast. Register as required, carry warm and rain clothes, and go slowly.
  • The temple is shut in winter. Check opening dates each year.

Prayers for this temple

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Sources

Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.