Kedarnath temple, also known as ‘Kedar Khand’ in the region, is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage centre. The temple is also a part of the popular Char Dham Yatra and is one of the 12 sacred jyotirlingas in India. 

 

The Kedarnath temple's history and cultural significance are rooted in several Hindu mythological stories. One such story is related to the great epic- the Mahabharata. It is said that after the Pandavas won the Mahabharata war against the Kauravas, they chased Lord Shiva to atone for the sins of killing their brother. 

 

However, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull and took homage at Kedarnath. On being repeatedly followed, he dived into the ground, leaving the bull’s hump that is now worshipped as the ‘shadashiva’ form.

Here is more on the Kedarnath temple location:

• The temple is situated in the town of Kedarnath, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. 

• It is on the Mahanadi River’s bank at an altitude of 3584 metres above sea level. 

Kedarnath temple 2025 Yatra has begun from May 2, 2025. Here is more on Kedarnath temple timings.

• The gates for devotees will open at 7 A.M. 

• The temple darshan can be done via a token system. 

• Special rituals need advance bookings. 

Here are some of the rituals you may engage in while visiting the Kedarnath temple. 

 

 

Looking to visit Kedarnath? Here is the best time to visit. 

• May to June: 

The weather around this time is generally moderate, with pleasant temperatures. It is the perfect time to visit the Kedarnath temple and the pilgrimage. 

 

• July to September: 

Around this time, you may experience monsoon with regular rains. Travelling can be a bit tricky, so make sure to be prepared. 

 

• October to April: 

The temperature drops to zero around this time, and it becomes quite chilly. Avoid travelling if possible. 

The registration process for the temple and the Yatra is done for safety reasons. The temple registration is of two types. 

 

 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register online for the Kedarnath temple.

1. Consider visiting the Uttarakhand Tourism office's tourist care website. Below is the link:

https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/

2. Tap on ‘Register’ and start filling in your registration details, such as name, contact information, and address. 

3. Once done, you'll receive an OTP to verify your registration. 

4. Now, once you log in, you may view the dashboard. Consider using your credentials for the same. 

5. Fill in your travel details along with the details of your travel partner, including travel dates.

6. Attach relevant documents, like a valid ID proof. 

7. Now, you might get a unique registration number via email or SMS. 

8. Now, you may download your registration letter for proof during the journey.