Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, located in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and an important Char Dham pilgrimage. With its mythological legends, divine atmosphere, and breathtaking surroundings, Kedarnath offers devotees peace, spiritual strength, and liberation.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga - Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, nestled in the mighty Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and situated near the holy Mandakini River, Kedarnath is not only a place of worship but also a journey of faith, devotion, and spiritual awakening. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and forms a crucial part of the Char Dham Yatra.

The word Kedarnath means “Lord of the Field”, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s role as the protector and nurturer of life. According to legends, Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of a Jyotirlinga to bless his devotees and free them from their sins. A visit to Kedarnath is believed to cleanse the soul and bring liberation (moksha).

As per mythology, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sins of war. Shiva tried to avoid them and took the form of a bull. When the Pandavas recognized him, he dived into the ground, and his hump appeared in Kedarnath, while other body parts emerged in different places, which are now known as the Panch Kedar temples. This divine story adds to the spiritual charm of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga.

The Kedarnath temple is built from massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Despite being located at 3,583 meters above sea level, the temple has stood strong for centuries, even surviving natural calamities. The serene Himalayan backdrop, the chants of Har Har Mahadev, and the peaceful flow of the Mandakini River create a truly divine atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

May to June and September to October are the best months to visit.
The temple remains closed during winter (November to April) due to heavy snowfall.
Maha Shivratri is celebrated here with great devotion.

How to Reach Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (around 239 km).
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (around 221 km).
By Road: Gaurikund is the last motorable point. From there, pilgrims trek about 16 km to reach the Kedarnath temple. Pony, palanquin, and helicopter services are also available.