Shri Kedarnath Temple, a cornerstone of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at a breathtaking altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) near the head of the Mandakini River in the Garhwal Himalayas, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya, the temple's ancient stone structure stands against a dramatic backdrop of snow-clad peaks. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open to the public only for about six months, from late April (Akshaya Tritiya) to early November (Bhai Dooj). During winter, the deity is moved to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Darshan & Rituals (During Operational Season: Apr-Nov)
Maha Abhishek Puja and other morning rituals. Access for pooja ticket holders.
General public darshan is open.
Temple is closed for special poojas and rest.
Temple reopens for evening darshan. Divya Shringar and various evening paths/aartis are performed.
Temple closes for the night.
Exceptions
Winter Closure
Free Darshan (Yatra Registration Mandatory)
Darshan is free, but all pilgrims must complete a mandatory biometric registration with the Uttarakhand government to obtain a Yatra Pass.
EARLY MORNING PUJA (Non-Attending)
Puja performed by chief priest around 4:00 AM. Pilgrim presence not required.
BAAL BHOG (Non-Attending)
Bhog offered by chief priest around 4:00 AM. Pilgrim presence not required.
UTTAM BHOG PUJA (Non-Attending)
Bhog offered by chief priest between 3-4 PM. Pilgrim presence not required.
SPECIAL BHOG PUJA (Non-Attending)
Bhog offered by chief priest between 3-4 PM. Pilgrim presence not required.
SIMPLE BHOG PUJA (Non-Attending)
Bhog offered by chief priest between 3-4 PM. Pilgrim presence not required.
ATKA PRASAD BY ORDINARY POST
Prasad sent via ordinary post for 5 years.
ATKA PRASAD BY REGISTERED POST
Prasad sent via registered post for 5 years.
Kapat Opening Ceremony
A major festival marking the reopening of the Kedarnath temple after the winter break. The deity's palanquin arrives in a grand procession from Ukhimath.
Kapat Closing Ceremony
The elaborate ceremony for the closing of the temple for the winter season. The deity is ceremoniously moved to its winter seat in Ukhimath.