Kedarnath Dham, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, officially opened to visitors on May 2, 2025. The Kedarnath temple, located on the banks of the Mandakini River at an elevation of 3,584 meters, is a significant spiritual destination in Northern India. It is part of both the Char Dham and Panch Kedar pilgrimages and is recognized as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. On its opening day, more than 30,000 devotees made their way to the temple, according to official reports.
By 7 PM on May 2, the numbers included 19,196 men, 10,597 women, and 361 children who visited Kedarnath. The doors of the temple were opened last Friday, and the occasion was marked by a band from the Indian Army’s Garhwal Rifles playing devotional music. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, was present for the ceremony, where he also distributed prasad to devotees at the Mukhya Sevak Bhandara held on the temple grounds. CM Dhami announced that the doors of Badrinath would open on May 4.
What To Know About Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings after the Kurukshetra war to atone for their sins. Unable to escape their pursuit, Lord Shiva took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull, leaving behind his hump.
The temple at Kedarnath, originally built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, showcases stunning architecture with large, precisely cut grey stone slabs. It features a Garbha Griha for worship and a Mandap for pilgrims and visitors. Inside, a conical rock formation is revered as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.
How To Reach Kedarnath Dham
Flying to Kedarnath is easiest via Jolly Grant Airport, located 35 km from Dehradun. It is 235 km from Kedarnath, with regular flights from Delhi. Gaurikund is accessible by road from the airport via available taxis. Rishikesh, the nearest railway station to Gaurikund, is located 243 km away on NH58. It offers frequent train services from major cities.
Taxis and buses connect Rishikesh to Gaurikund. Furthermore, Gaurikund is well-linked by road to various destinations in Uttarakhand. Buses to Gaurikund are available from key locations like Haridwar and Dehradun, and it is connected to Ghaziabad via NH58.
All devotees have to register for Kedarnath Dham online. Read our detailed guide here.
