Kedarnath Timings & Rituals ( Updated 2026 ) from Dawn to Dusk

A visit to Kedarnath Temple is more than just darshan—it is a deeply spiritual journey that unfolds from the first light of dawn to the calm silence of night. Nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, this sacred shrine is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra.

Surrounded by the towering Kedarnath Peak, Kedar Dome, and snow-clad Himalayan ranges, the temple follows a disciplined daily schedule of rituals that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Season

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

• Temple Open: April to October

• Temple Closed: November to April (due to heavy snowfall)

During winter, extreme weather makes the region inaccessible. The idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to Ukhimath, where worship continues until the temple reopens.

Kedarnath Temple Timings (Daily Schedule)

If you are planning your pilgrimage, knowing the Kedarnath temple timings is essential.

• Kedarnath Open Time: 4:00 AM

• Kedarnath Temple Closing Time: 8:00 PM

• Temple Break Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Darshan is available throughout the day except during the afternoon closure.

Kedarnath Aarti Timings

The day at Kedarnath Temple begins and ends with powerful spiritual rituals:

• Kedarnath Morning Aarti (Maha Abhishek): 4:00 AM

• Kedarnath Evening Aarti (Shayan Aarti): 5:00 PM

The early morning aarti is considered extremely auspicious, as the shrine resonates with Vedic chants while the Himalayas slowly awaken.

Kedarnath Darshan Timings

• Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM onwards

• Afternoon Closure: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Before 3:00 PM, devotees are allowed to perform Abhishek with ghee. After 5:00 PM, darshan continues, but touching the Shivling is not permitted. The deity is beautifully adorned, allowing devotees to seek blessings from a distance.

Opening & Closing Dates (Important Information)

• Kedarnath Temple Opening Date (2023): 25 April at 6:20 AM

• Kedarnath Temple Closing Date: Usually in November (on Bhai Dooj)

👉 Opening and closing dates are announced every year on Mahashivratri based on astrological calculations.

Daily Rituals at Kedarnath Temple

The sacred rituals are conducted under the guidance of the Rawal Ji, the chief priest of Kedarnath, who traditionally belongs to the Veerashaiva community of Karnataka.

Key Rituals Include:

• Maha Abhishek (early morning)

• Rudrabhishek

• Laghu Rudri Puja

• Evening Shayan Aarti

Many special pujas can be booked online, allowing devotees to participate even if they are not physically present at the temple.

When to Visit Kedarnath for Best Experience

• April to June: Pleasant weather, peak pilgrimage season

• September to October: Clear skies, fewer crowds, peaceful darshan

❌ Avoid July–August due to monsoon rains and landslide risks.

Why Kedarnath Timings Matter

The carefully structured Kedarnath timings ensure:

• Smooth flow of pilgrims

• Preservation of ancient rituals

• A peaceful and spiritually immersive experience

Every ritual—from the first aarti at dawn to the final prayers at night—adds depth to the pilgrimage.

Conclusion

Understanding the Kedarnath temple timings and rituals allows you to experience the shrine in its true spiritual essence. Whether it’s witnessing the powerful Maha Abhishek at sunrise or the calm Shayan Aarti at dusk, each moment at Kedarnath is filled with devotion and divine energy.

Plan your visit during the right season, align your schedule with the temple rituals, and let the timeless presence of Lord Shiva guide your journey through this sacred Himalayan abode.

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