Kedarnath Temple is a Lord Shiva Temple in the Garhwal Himalayan ranges in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand state, India. This temple is open only during Akshaya Tritriya day in April to Kartik Purnima (full moon day, usually November, due to the weather conditions. Kedarnath, the main deity here is worshiped as the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, the region’s historical name. The deities from this temple are taken to Ukhimath in Rudraprayag district (41 kilometers from Rudraprayag) and worshiped there during winter.
Kedarnath Temple.
Ukhimath where Kedarnath Temple’s deities are taken during winter, is a centrally located destination to visit. There are many other picturesque places worth visiting near Ukhimath.
Kedarnath Temple is situated on the banks of Mandakini river, a tributary of the holy river Ganga at an altitude of 3,583 meters or 11,755 feet. This temple was built by Pandavas. Adi Sankaracharya visited and revived the temple. It is one among the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Kedarnath Mandir (mandir means temple in Hindi language) is one among the four temples of Chota Char Dham pilgrimage package tour. It is also the first temple to be visited as part of Panch Kedar pilgrimage.
How Do I Go to Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple is at a distance of 223 kilometers from Rishikesh. You need to trek uphill for around 14 kilometers from Gaurikund. Pony rides are also available.
The nearest airport, Dehra Dun Airport, is at around 110 kilometers distance. Bhuntar airport at Kullu, is at around 230 kilometers away. New Delhi, the capital of India, is at around 300 kilometers distance from Kedarnath.
Harrawala railway station with station code HRW, is the nearest one to Kedarnath temple, at around 107 kilometers distance. Dehra Dun airport is at 11 kilometers from Harrawala railway station. Doiwala railway station with station code DWO, is another nearby railway station at 110 around kilometers away. Dehra Dun airport is at around 6 kilometers from Doiwala railway station. Both these railway stations are under Moradabad railway division.