Thinking of visiting the sacred Kedarnath Temple in 2024? Looking for a guide to know opening and closing dates to plan your pilgrimage accordingly? If yes, then you have landed on the right blog that truly provides accurate information on the Kedarnath Opening Date 2024. As you all know this temple is one of the Char Dhams and is located at an elevation of 3580 m nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, therefore the priests open this temple at a suitable time when the weather conditions are in favour.
This temple is likely built near the Chorabari Glacier which is the source of the Mandakini river. Thus, the temple remains open for a few months only and remains closed for other months due to heavy snowfall and low temperatures. So, let’s explore the exact dates and best time suitable for visiting the temple and seeking the blessings of the Almighty, Lord Shiva!
About the Sacred Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is located in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand state of India and is also considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds great spiritual significance and is part of the Char Dham Yatra which also includes Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath.
This temple was built by the Pandavas as a tribute to Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra War. Moreover, this historic site is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas that represent the manifestation of Lord Shiva’s cosmic light.
The Kedarnath Temple attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year with its breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys and the mighty Mandakini River flowing nearby from the Chorabari Glacier.
Though the weather conditions are harsh, still the pilgrims prefer to trek the challenging path leading to the temple with their pure dedication and whole-heartedly chanting the name of the Lord Shiva.
The devotees visit the Kedarnath Temple to seek blessings, spiritual solace and redemption from their sins. Also, the divine aura and serene ambience of the temple create an atmosphere of reverence and devotion.
Kedarnath Opening & Closing Date 2024
As you all know, the location of the temple is in the Himalayas, therefore that area remains closed for a few months during the winter season as it experiences heavy snowfall that lowers the temperature and also makes the path unclear due to snow making it inaccessible for the pilgrims to visit the temple. Therefore, the priests and temple authorities decide on opening the temple during April or May when the weather conditions are favourable.
The temple authorities have tentatively scheduled the Kedarnath Opening Date 2024 on 11th May, but it may change depending on the weather conditions, safety considerations and auspicious timings according to Hindu mythology.
Priests open the temple following the sacred processions and rituals, adhering to age-old traditions and customs deeply rooted in the spiritual heritage of the temple. Also, the Kedarnath closing date 2024 is marked two days after the Diwali celebration.
The pilgrims and devotees who are planning to visit the temple are advised to stay updated with the official announcements from the temple administration regarding the opening date as well as pilgrimage arrangements for the year 2024.
Kedarnath Darshan Timings 2024
The Kedarnath Temple Darshan timings are listed as follows:
|
Darshan |
Timings |
Description |
|
VIP Darshan |
3 am to 7 am |
The VIP persons or pilgrims can seek blessings of the Lord Shiva from 3 am to 7 am, which is the time of early morning and is considered the most sacred time. The pilgrims can pay a total amount of 1100 rupees to the temple authorities for seeking darshan during this time. |
|
Normal Darshan |
6 am to 3 pm |
The pilgrims can also visit the temple and do normal darshan of the heritage site from 6 am to 3 pm. |
|
The temple is closed for darshan from 3 pm to 5 pm |
||
|
Normal Darshan |
5 pm to 7 pm |
After closing the temple during certain hours, the priests open the temple and allow the pilgrims to seek darshan during the hours from 5 pm to 7 pm. |
|
The temple is closed for darshan from 7 pm to 3 am |
||
How to reach the Kedarnath Temple?
The pilgrims can reach the sacred temple by following the main ways of transportation by air, by road or by railway.
- By Air:
Pilgrims can reach the nearest airport, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 238 kilometres away from Kedarnath. From the airport, they can hire taxis or take buses to reach the nearest town, either Haridwar or Rishikesh.
From there, they can continue their journey by road to Sonprayag or Phata, the base camps for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. Helicopter services are also available from Dehradun or Phata to Kedarnath for those who prefer aerial transport.
- By Railway:
The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar Railway Station, located about 241 kilometres away. Another option is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is approximately 216 kilometres away.
From these railway stations, pilgrims can hire taxis or take buses to reach Sonprayag or Phata, the base camps for the trek to Kedarnath Temple.
- By Road:
Pilgrims can reach Kedarnath by road from various cities and towns in Uttarakhand. The nearest major town accessible by road is Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, pilgrims can travel to Sonprayag by road, which is approximately 220 kilometres away.
Sonprayag serves as the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. Alternatively, pilgrims can also reach Gaurikund by road, which is the base camp for the trek and is around 5 kilometres from Sonprayag. From Gaurikund, they can start their trek to Kedarnath Temple.
Moreover, the total trek of Kedarnath Temple is 24 km. The pilgrims can prefer horse riding, for kids and elders you can take palki service or the devotees can choose the fastest option i.e helicopter ride to reach the temple.
Conclusion,
Despite facing natural calamities and the ravages of time, the Kedarnath Temple has stood as a symbol of resilience and faith, drawing devotees and pilgrims from far and wide. It continues to be a place of profound spirituality and divine grace, inspiring awe and devotion in the hearts of millions of devotees who undertake the sacred pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. For more information related to the dream destination places in world, follow Guide Me Trip and stay updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What are the Kedarnath Temple opening and closing dates?
Ans: The Kedarnath Temple opens in April and May and the date is tentatively scheduled on 11th May 2024 whereas the closing date of the temple is marked after the two days of the Diwali celebration.
Ques: How to reach Kedarnath Temple?
Ans: To reach Kedarnath Temple, pilgrims typically start from Sonprayag and trek approximately 24 kilometres to reach the temple. Alternatively, helicopter services are available from Phata or Guptkashi for those preferring aerial transport.
Ques: What are the best places to visit near Kedarnath Temple?
Ans: Near Kedarnath Temple, pilgrims can visit the Bhairavnath Temple, about 1.5 kilometres away, dedicated to Lord Bhairav. Vasuki Tal, a scenic lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is also nearby and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.