Kedarnath Yatra 2023

One among Lord Shiva’s holiest expeditions, Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal area. The most significant of the Panch Kedar, Kedarnath is a part of Uttarakhand’s Char Dhams.

One among Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath is located at an elevation of 3586 meters, surrounded by spectacular Himalayan mountains and close to the source of the Mandakini River.

Lord Shiva, the destroyer and defender, also goes by the moniker Kedar, which means mighty. The major attraction here is the Shiva Temple, a well-known Hindu shrine and pilgrimage site that draws visitors from all over the world. The serene atmosphere surrounding the temple makes it a lovely location to meditate. Scenic habitat and religious fervor, for example, boost the potential for tourism and traveling in this area.

Lord Shiva is regarded as the personification of all instincts, including love, hate, apprehension about the future, death, and meditation, which are all reflected in his varying ways. In the vicinity alone, there are over 200 Shiva temples, Kedarnath being the most significant.

What is the History of Kedarnath Dham

According to mythology, “Nara and Narayana conducted extreme meditation before an earthen Shivalingam.” Kedarnath is a renowned shrine for followers of Lord Shiva, and the temple’s history dates back roughly a thousand years. According to legend, they asked Shiva to construct a permanent residence as Jyotirlingam. The Pandavas went to Kedareshwar to ask Shiva’s blessings.

Another myth states that Goddess Parvati embraced Kedaeshwar in order to merge with Shiva and become Ardhanareeswarar. Bhairon is a shrine devoted to Bhaironathji, who is ritually venerated at Kedarnath Temple’s opening and closure.

It is said that Bhairavnathji guards this country against evil while the temple is not open. One of the twelve celestial lights, or Jyotirlingas, is Kedarnath.

Northern India’s Rudra Himalayas are home to the over a thousand-year-old temple. The Kedarnath lingam, the tallest Jyotirlinga in the world, is located there.

Read More About Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra

About Kedarnath Yatra Temple

Lord Shiva’s most renowned temple is Kedarnath Temple in India. The Mandir was constructed in the eighth century. by Adi Shankaracharya. It is close to where the Pandavas had an earlier temple constructed. One of Lord Shiva’s most well-known temples in India, Kedarnath is almost a thousand years old.

Following the 2013 Kedarnath floods, the complex of the Kedarnath Temple is being restored. Helipads, and new guest homes are examples of modern facilities. There are additional online reservation options for Kedarnath. Kedarnath Puja bookings can be made online without the necessity for actual participants. Some pujas are available for online or in-person reservations.

The regular pooja procedures at the Kedarnath Mandir begin early each morning with Maha Abhishek and conclude at 7 o’clock in the evening with the evening aarti. Around six in the morning, the Kedarnath temple opens to the devotees for darshan.

Before 3 p.m., guests are welcome to approach idle and conduct Abhishek with ghee. Idle is off limits after 5 o’clock, but Darshan can still be reached. When the sun moves into Aries while a total eclipse is occurring in Scorpio, the temple at Kedarnath is only accessible for 6 months of the calendar year.

Opening and Closing of Gates of Kedarnath Temple

Priests at Omkareshwar make calculations that determine when the Kedarnath Temple will reopen based on the special occasion of “Akshay Tritya” and “Maha Shiva Ratri.”

This year, a special Pooja will be performed in the temple on April 22, 2023, to inaugurate Kedarnath.Countless devotees traveling to Kedarnath from all around the nation and the world view the opening of Kedarnath Gates as a fortunate occurrence.

Only after the priests had begun the Puja at the Kedartath Temple could pilgrims receive a darshan. The closing ceremony is equally impressive as the opening ceremony. Baba Kedar Doli is transported by Garhwal Bands to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which is Kedarnath’s winter residence.

What are the features of Kedarnath Trek?

The 18-kilometer Kedarnath Trek is a moderate to difficult hike that calls for a high degree of physical condition. Every hiker must have their fitness level evaluated before setting out on a trek to determine if they are competent of doing so. The Kedarnath Hike from Gaurikund is scheduled to last from 4:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

Due to Kedarnath’s location within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and the pilgrims’ inability to hike at any time, this timetable is regulated. After this precise hour, no pilgrim may depart. It is advised that anyone with breathing difficulties get medical advice before beginning this high elevation hike.

Kedarnath Yatra Trek Distance

The 18 kilometer journey to Kedarnath begins in Gaurikund and ends in Kedarnath. Since Uttrakhand suffered a flood calamity in 2013, the 14 kilometer trip to Kedarnath has grown to a 16 to18 km trek.

What are the facilities you get in Kedarnath Trek?

Palki/Dandi, Kandi, and Mule/Ponies are available as part of the Kedarnath Trek amenities. From the reservation desk at Gaurikund/Sonprayag, anybody can make a reservation for these activities. As an example, the Gaurikund to Kedarnath Dandi will price approximately Rs. 4500, the Kandi will cost Rs. 3400, and the Poni will cost approx Rs. 4000.

There are adequate amenities, such as tented lodging, potable water, and tiny stores and restaurants, along the hike route. Additionally, there are helicopter options provided from the Kedarnath helipad to Phata as well as other helipads.

Things you should know before commencing on Kedarnath Trek?

• Prior to beginning the trip to Kedarnath Yatra, get checked out.
• It is not recommended for people with respiratory conditions or high blood pressure to hike to Kedarnath.
• Make sure to make a reservation in advance at the Gaurikund/Sonprayag ticketing counter if you intend to travel via Kandi, Ponies, or Palki.
• Since this is the only period pilgrims are permitted to trek to Kedarnath, do it between 4:00AM and 11:30PM.
• You can use Palki or Ponies to get to your goal if you won’t be able to finish the walk until late in the day. You can even spend the night in one of the campgrounds that are built up between both the treks at Lincholi, Bheem Bali, or Jungle Chatti before continuing the following day.