Kedarnath Temple Will Reopen for Devotees on 10 May 2024
The Kedarnath temple will reopen for devotees for Char Dham Yatra 2024 on 10 May 2024. This is the tentative date, and the final opening date for the Kedarnath temple will be announced after the performance of the rituals on the occasion of Maha Shivratri at Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, in the presence of Badri-Kedar Mandir Samiti and the priests of Kedarnath Temple.
The date for the opening of Badrinath temple is 16 May 2024.The dates of other two shrines of Chardham temples, Gangotri & Yamunotri Dham, will be on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya on 10 May 2024.
Kedarnath Temple Significance
Situated on the banks of Mandakini river in Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is one of four temples consisting of Chota Char Dham. Legends say that the temple was built by Pandavas and is considered to be one of 12 Jyotirlingas, holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Due to its location in mountains, the temples remain closed during the winter season, opening in May and closing by November every year. During the winter season, the deities from the temples are moved to Ukhimath and later carried back to the temple before it’s open to devotees.
How to Reach Kedarnath?
Located in Garhwal Himalayas, the temple can be easily accessed from all parts of the country. The base camp is in Gaurikund.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Gaurikund is in Dehradun, which is roughly 255 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach here.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is in Haridwar, which is 205 km away. You can take a taxi from the railway station to reach here.
- By Road: You can easily reach Kedarnath by roads. Gaurikund can be easily accessible via public and private transport.
Permits for Kedarnath Yatra
In the last few years, the government limited the number of pilgrims visiting Char Dhams due to Covid. But in 2024, there will be no restrictions. You would still need a general permit to visit Kedarnath Yatra but there will be no limitations on the visiting capacity of the pilgrims. You can obtain permits online or through various registration counters. The counters are available at railway station; bus stops near Kedarnath. There is one counter at Rishikesh railway station, one at Haridwar and others at bus terminals. You would need to specify the dates of your visit and you will be issued a card which you would need to show at various checkpoints. You would also need to obtain a fitness certificate from medical centers at Guptkashi and Sonprayag. They would check your blood pressure and symptoms for other past diseases. If you are fit to go, you will be issued a medical certificate, which is mandatory for visiting temple shrines
Check Out: Chardham Yatra Tour Packages
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