Kedarnath Temple to Open its Doors on 29 April in 2018

Kedarnath Temple would open its doors for Darshan on 29 April 6:15 am for the current year of 2018. The announcement was duly made on the sacred occasion of Maha Shivaratri at Omkareshwar Temple, the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath in Ukhimath. The decision was made after astrological consultation with Panchang (Hindu calendar) by The Head Priest of Kedarnath Temple Shri Bhimashankar Ling, Chief Priest of Ukhimath Temple and local priests. 

It has been decided that the procession for Kedarnath shrine would start from Ukhimath Temple on 26 April at around 10.00 am. As per the decided programme, Shri Bhairavnath Pooja would be performed in Shri Omkareshwar Temple on 25 April, a day before the deity His winter abode.

The deity would station at Phata for the night of 26 April. On 27 April, the deity would reach Gauri Maa Temple in Gauri Kund and make the temple His abode for the night. The idol would reach His shrine at Kedarnath by 28 April. Thus, the temple will duly open its sacred doors for Darshan in the morning of 29 April.

The date and time chosen for the door opening ceremony of Kedarnath is particularly auspicious this year. The date falls on the occasion of Kurma Jayanti, a festival commemorating Lord Vishnu’s third avatar Kurma.

Kedarnath Temple is typically reached after a perilous trek from Gaurikund. For those who wish to avoid the perilous trek, there is ample provision for helicopter services as well. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas across India, and is counted among the most revered of Shaivite shrines. Also, the temple forms the major shrine in the Panch Kedar conglomerate as well. Visiting Kedarnath is considered to be an utmost blessing in itself. May your Kedarnath visit this year be truly spiritually fulfilling!