Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple Best Time To Visit, Timings Open Close, Famous For
Kedarnath Mandir (Kedarnath Temple) is a Hindu temple of the God Shiva. It is on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This old and famous temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. The pilgrims can see jyotirlinga only after the first opening of Puja at Kedarnath Temple.
This temple is built using big stones placed over a large rectangular platform. Due to the hard climate nature, the temple is open only between the end of April to Kartik Purnima.
How to Reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple can’t be reached directly via road. One has to trek almost 14 kilometres from Gaurikund to reach the top. One can choose Pony or Manchan services to reach the temple. The temple was built by Pandavas. The best ways to reach Kedarnath temple are:
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the closest airport. The travellers after reaching Dehradun can take a taxi or bus. One can opt for helicopter services.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar/Rishikesh. From there take a taxi/bus to Gauri Kund.
- By Road: Reach Gauri Kund by bus or taxi from Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there start a 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath or peak season to go on a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October. Avoid visiting this place during the monsoon season. This is because all the sites are located in the Garhwal Himalayas. The place receives heavy snowfall. Thus, passages can’t visit this place during the winter season.
Also, during the monsoon season, there are chances of heavy landslides. It also makes travelling difficult.
The four seasons include:
- Summer (May to June): It is the most popular time to visit Kedarnath. The climate varies from 10°C to 15°.
- Monsoon (July to August): It is the monsoon season. Thus, it rains heavily. Due to the difficult conditions, people are advised not to visit.
- Autumn (September to October): It is also a good time to visit. The climate is clear with very less crowds.
- Winter (November to April): Due to heavy snowfall, the temple remains closed during the winter months.
Timings and Opening Hours
The temple remains open only during the summer months due to the good climate. The shrine opens in early May and closes after Diwali. It gets closed mostly in October. The opening and closing timings for Kedarnath are as follows:
- Opening Time: The opening timings of Kedarnath temple is 4:30 AM. One can take part in early morning prayers.
- Closing Time: It usually closes around 9:00 PM after the evening aarti.
Shri Kedarnath: Famous For
Shri Kedarnath Temple ranks among the most famous temples. It is famous as it is among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. As per past stories, Pandavas obtained blessings from God Shiva at this place to seek forgiveness for their transgressions after the Mahabharata war. As per Hindu history, this is visited the most by Lord Shiva's followers.
Kedarnath temple has a lovely surrounding. It is located in the middle of the snow-covered mountains. Here one can do prayers. There is a famous temple and lake near the region.
Conclusion
The Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple is not just a place of huge religious importance. But one comes here to enjoy the natural beauty and seek blessings. Whether you’re visiting this place for a divine reason, want to see the lovely beauty, or for trekking purposes, Kedarnath offers something for every traveller.
