12 Jyotirlinga Tour Packages: Kedarnath Jyotirling Temple

Nestled in the far corners of north India, lies the state of Uttarakhand which every year, starting from the month of April/May attracts thousands of pilgrims for the sacred journey of The Char Dham.
This circuit of the ‘Four sacred abodes’ consists of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in a clockwise manner. The much awaited Yatra commences from the month of April/May and ends by November, before the heavy snowfall of Himalayas blocks the road during the winter months.
The Char Dham Yatra's precise dates are declared by the Char Dham Temple Committee, Kedar-Badri Mandir Samiti. These dates are determined by consulting the sacred Hindu calendar, 'Panchang,' before the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej. On this day, it's believed that purchasing gold ensures its eternal luster and perpetual growth. Plan your journey with the guidance ofShiv Shankar Tirth Yatra, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

The opening dates for the Char Dham Yatra for 2023.

Next in line is the Gangotri temple dedicated to goddess Ganga, which will be open for visitors starting 22 April, 2023.

This will be followed by the opening of the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva - the Kedarnath Temple, after a few days, tentatively by 26 April 2023.

And finally, the temple of Badrinath will be accessible starting two days later from 28 April, 2023.

Closing dates for the Char Dham Yatra are mentioned below:

Devotees can expect to bid adieu to the pious Gangotri temple on Deepawali expected on November 14, 2023.

The temples of Kedarnath and Yamunotri close doors on Bhai Dooj/Yama Dwitiya, which is two days after Deepawali on November 15, 2023.

The final Dham, which is the Badrinath Dham will be closed for the remaining year from Vijay Dashami marked on November 25, 2023.

Legend has it that Parvati worshipped Kedareshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. Kedara Munivar is also said to have established this shrine visited by the Pancha Pandavas. Legend also has it that Nara and Narayana - two incarnations of Vishnu practised severe penances at Badrikashramam, in front of a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth. When Shiva appeared in front of them, they requested him to take up a permanent abode as a Jyotirlinga at Kedarnath.

In the way of Parikrama one can see so many Sadhus belonging to different traditions.If we are lucky we can see deers and peacocks in the route. The view of Narmada river is very beautiful with the bridges and the Project. The last stop is the cave of Guru Govindapada. Totally we can get very much pleasure by doing this parikrama. Some scholar say, King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshipped Shiva here. Besides, Govinda Bhagavatpaada, the Guru of Shankaracharya is believed to have lived in a cave here.

Legend also has it that the Pandava princes were advised to visit Kedarnath after the great Kurukshetra battle. Shiva upon seeing the Pandavas, assumed the form of a male buaffalo and entered the earth. It is believed that the rear of its body remained here, as Kedareshwar. The front part is believed to be in Nepal. This legend says that when Shiva entered the ground, he became five fold - his hind remained at Kedar, his arms Tunganatha, his face Rudranatha, his belly Madhyameswara and his Jata Kalpeswara. These five shrines together as known as the Pancha Kedara. The Pandavas are believed to have visited this area several times.

Arjuna is believed to have come here to pray to Shiva to obtain the coveted Pasupataastra. The other Pandavas are believed to have come here in search of him, where Draupadi came across the heavenly lotus Kalyana Saugandikam, and requested Bhima to bring here some more of the same. It was during his venturing out to seek these flowers that Bhima met Hanumaan.

BADRINATH TEMPLE

Badrinath which is near the Kedarnath is also a significant tirth yatraspot for the devotees of Lord shiva. The Neelkant peak behind the Badrinath temple is an abode of Lord shiva - like how the Mount Kailash is. It is called Indra Neel Parvat.

GANDHI SAROVAR

A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven. A km trek from Kedarnath, floating ice on the crystal clear waters.

GAURIKUND

Base for a trek to Kedarnath & serves as a roadhead, the village has hot springs & a temple dedicated to Gauri.

VASUKI TAL

6 km. At 4135 mtr. above sea level, this lake is extraordinary, surrounded by high mountains and offering an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

CHOPTA

Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it.

DEORIA TAL

At an altitude of 2,440 mt., this beautiful lake is situated on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. In the early morning, the snow-capped peaks are clearly reflected on the lake waters. This lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as bird watching.

TRIYUGINARAYAN

25 km. the mythological venue where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag. An eternal flame, which is said to have been the witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today.

PANCH KEDAR

The five most important temples of Lord Shiva in garhwal Himalayas. Bharatekuntha at 6578 Meters, is connected to Kedarnath to the East, by a long and dangerous avalanche ridden ridge. At 6000 meters it looks stunning and has several glacial flows, one of which is the Mandakini glacier running down its ridges. Kedarnath and Kedardome, are connected by a deep ridge. Kedar Domeat 6831 Meters presents a fair challenge to climbers. Kedarnath is however, a difficult peak to climb. At 6940 Meters it is just beneath the level where the oxygen layer is thin. Anyone interested in a good day trek, could take the well travelled path from behind the temple toward Bharatekuntha. About 3 kilometers away in the valley formed by the Kedarnath massif, is Chorabhari Tal. This lake has been renamed Gandhi Sarovar after the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in lake.