Kedarnath Temple — at 3583 m in Rudra Himalaya, Uttarakhand. 11th of 12 jyotirlings. Built by Pandavas (legend). Adi Shankara restored.
Yatra: May-November. Closed in winter. Rebuilt after 2013 floods.
✦ History
Pandava story: after Kurukshetra war seeking Shiva blessing.
Shiva disappeared as bull. Body parts at 5 Kedars.
Kedarnath: hump. Tungnath: arms. Rudranath: face. Madhyamaheshwar: navel. Kalpeshwar: hair.
5 Kedars yatra = Panch-Kedar.
✦ 2026 Dates
Kapat opens: 2 May 2026.
Closes: mid-November.
Best: May-June, Sep-Oct.
Avoid Jul-Aug (monsoon, landslides).
✦ Routes
16 km walk/pony from Gaurikund.
Helicopter: Dehradun/Guptkashi. ₹6000-8000.
Registration mandatory: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
Fitness certificate.
Walk: 6-8 hr. Pony: 4-5 hr.
✦ Special Rituals
Monday abhishek.
Mahashivratri special.
Shravan Monday: peak crowd.
Bhasma aarti: 4 AM.
Rudrabhishek booking.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
When does kapat open in 2026?▼
2 May 2026, near Akshay Tritiya.
Difficult walk?▼
Moderate. 16 km, 1500 m altitude gain. Fitness needed. Elderly/sick: helicopter.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.