Back to Results
Temple Image

Kedareswarar Temple

Kedarnath Mandir is an ancient and revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, it is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayan range. The temple stands near the origin of the Mandakini River, amidst breathtaking mountain peaks covered with snow.

Timings

4 AM - 3 PM and 5 PM - 9 PM

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


Kedarnath Mandir's origins are ancient and unknown, with its name derived from Sanskrit: "Kedara" meaning field and "Natha" meaning lord. The temple signifies "the crop of liberation," as mentioned in the Kashi Kedara Mahatmya. It is considered a sacred site where salvation is believed to be attained.


The temple is closely associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings for atonement of their sins. Shiva, evading them, took the form of a bull at Guptakashi. Bhima recognized and caught the bull, but it disappeared into the ground. The hump of the bull reappeared at Kedarnath, while other parts emerged at Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar, collectively known as the Panch Kedar. The Pandavas built temples at these sites and meditated at Kedarnath for salvation.


The Skanda Purana (7th–8th century CE) is one of the earliest texts to mention Kedarnath, describing it as the place where Shiva released the holy Ganges from his matted hair. This further solidifies the temple's spiritual significance in Hindu mythology.

In the 8th century, Adi Shankara is believed to have revived Kedarnath Mandir along with other temples like Badrinath. He is also said to have attained Mahasamadhi near Kedarnath, where a monument marks the location. However, some traditions suggest that Shankara passed away in Kanchipuram instead.


By the 12th century, Kedarnath had gained prominence as a major pilgrimage center, as mentioned in Kritya-Kalpataru by Bhatta Lakshmidhara. The temple's priests, or Teerth Purohits, trace their ancestry to sages like Nara-Narayana and Daksha Prajapati. King Janmejay, the grandson of the Pandavas, is believed to have granted them the rights to perform rituals at Kedarnath.

The temple, built in Himalayan stone architecture, has stood resiliently through centuries of natural challenges. Today, it remains a central part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, symbolizing devotion and spiritual liberation.


Puranic Significance :-


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Follow Dress Code: Dress modestly and respectfully; it’s recommended to wear traditional or simple attire.
  2. Respect the Rituals: Observe and participate respectfully in the rituals and prayers.
  3. Maintain Silence: Maintain a peaceful and reverent atmosphere inside and around the temple.
  4. Offer Prayers and Offerings: You may offer flowers, fruits, and other customary items as a sign of devotion.
  5. Help Preserve the Environment: Dispose of waste responsibly and avoid littering in and around the temple.
  6. Take Guidance: Seek the help of temple authorities or priests for performing rituals if needed.
  1. Don’t Disturb the Rituals: Avoid loud talking, noise, or distractions during prayers and ceremonies.
  2. Don’t Touch the Deities: Refrain from touching the idols or sacred objects.
  3. Don’t Take Photos in the Sanctum: Photography is generally prohibited inside the temple, especially near the deity.
  4. Don’t Carry Non-Vegetarian Items: Avoid bringing meat, alcohol, or other prohibited items into the temple.
  5. Don’t Litter: Avoid polluting the surroundings by disposing of waste improperly.
  6. Don’t Visit Under the Influence: Do not visit the temple under the influence of alcohol or drugs.


Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Modest Clothing: Wear simple, modest clothing. Traditional attire like dhoti, kurta, or light-colored cotton clothes is recommended.
  2. Avoid Shorts or Sleeveless Shirts: Shorts, sleeveless shirts, or inappropriate casual wear are not allowed.

For Women:

  1. Modest Clothing: Women should wear traditional or modest attire like sarees, salwar kameez, or simple clothing that covers the body.
  2. Avoid Revealing Clothes: Sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts should be avoided.


How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

Best season to visit :-


For a safe and comfortable visit, May to June and September to October are the best months.


How to reach :-


  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 239 km (148 miles) from Kedarnath. From the airport, take a taxi or a bus to Rishikesh or Haridwar, and then proceed to Gauri Kund (the base point for Kedarnath).
  2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, about 216 km (134 miles) away. From Rishikesh, travel by taxi or bus to Gauri Kund.
  3. By Road: Gauri Kund is the starting point for the Kedarnath trek. You can reach it by road from Rishikesh (about 200 km). From Gauri Kund, you need to either trek 16 km (10 miles) uphill to Kedarnath or use helicopter services (if available during the season).
  4. By Helicopter: Helicopter services operate from Phata, Sersi, or Gauri Kund to Kedarnath during the pilgrimage season (May to October). It is the fastest option.
  5. Trekking: The trek from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 16 km (10 miles) and takes around 6-7 hours. The trek involves a steep ascent, and the path is well-maintained. Horse and palanquin services are also available for pilgrims.


Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers near Kedarnath Temple:

  1. Mandakini River: The temple is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River, which is a tributary of the Ganges. This river is believed to have divine significance and flows through the Kedarnath Valley.
  2. Alaknanda River: Located downstream from the Kedarnath Temple, the Alaknanda River is formed by the confluence of several streams, including the Mandakini River.


Cities near Kedarnath Temple:

  1. Rishikesh: Located about 223 km (139 miles) from Kedarnath, Rishikesh is the starting point for the Kedarnath pilgrimage and is known for its spiritual significance and yoga centers.
  2. Haridwar: Around 250 km (155 miles) from Kedarnath, Haridwar is an important pilgrimage city on the banks of the Ganges River and a key entry point for pilgrims traveling to the Char Dham.
  3. Ukhimath: Approximately 60 km from Kedarnath, Ukhimath is where the Kedarnath deity is worshipped during the winter months when the temple is closed.
  4. Gaurikund: Located around 16 km from Kedarnath, Gaurikund is the starting point for the trek to the Kedarnath Temple. It is also known for the Gauri Devi temple and hot springs.