When Does Kedarnath Temple Open and Close?

For pilgrims planning a journey to Kedarnath Dham, it is essential to know the temple's opening and closing dates. Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Every year, as soon as the temple gates open, millions of devotees embark on the Kedarnath Yatra.

Kedarnath Temple is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan region of North India. Generally, the temple doors open according to the auspicious muhurat (timing) in March, April, or May. The Kedarnath Temple gates usually open one or two days after the opening of the Yamunotri and Gangotri temples.

The official announcement regarding the opening of Kedarnath Temple is made on the festival of Maha Shivaratri at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag, following Vedic rituals and the Hindu calendar (Panchang). The temple doors remain open for six months and are closed every year on Bhai Dooj, shortly after Diwali.