Har Har Mahadev! Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Date 2023

Kedarnath Temple is a famous Shiva temple and is a part of the Char Dham circuit. The Kedarnath Dham is located amidst the green hills of Garhwal ranges of Himalayas. Standing at an altitude of 3,583m, the temple has a very harsh winter. Thus, during the peak winter season, the temple would be closed.

The opening and closing date of Kedarnath Temple for 2023 has been announced.

Opening Date of Kedarnath Temple

Every year, the Kedarnath temple opens on the eve of Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day for wealth. In 2023 Akshaya Tritiya falls on 25^th April. On the eve of Akshaya Tritiya, the Kedarnath temple will open on 25^th April, 2023

History of the Temple

According to Mahabharata, this temple was built by the Pandava Brothers to attain salvation and wash off their sins for killing their kin in the war against Kauravas. This temple was re-built in 7^th century by saint, Adhi Shankaracharya.

Today, the main deity of the temple is a large stone lingam, which is irregular and black in color. The lingam is placed on a pedestal that stands 12 feet tall.

The Deity Transfer

When the temple closes in October, the main deity of the temple is taken to Rudraprayag districts Omkareshwar temple. This is considered as the deity's winter seat.

During the opening of the temple, the deity is taken back to the Kedarnath Temple on a doli (a palanquin). A special Bhairavnath Puja takes place at the Omkareshwar temple.

The main deity of Kedarnath is transferred from Omkareshwar temple by 10 am. The doli used for transfer stay for the night at Phata Village.

Suggested Pilgrimage Tour Packages:

• 5 Days - South India Pilgrimage Tour
• 11 Days - Religious Family Packages India

Closing Date of the Kedarnath Temple

Every year, the Kedarnath temple closes on the eve of the Bhai Dooj celebration. This celebration is a part of Diwali festival. On the eve of this celebration, the temples kapat will be closed. This festival falls on the last couple of weeks of October or in the beginning of November. The exact closing date of this temple is not yet announced.

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival falls on 14^th November 2023. However, the date has not been confirmed by the temple authorities.

Also read :

• November Weather in India
• Top Festivals in India in November
• Best Places to Visit in India in November

Why 2020 is special for Kedarnath Temple?

Every year, the Kedarnath temple stands open for around 185 days per year. It receives more than 10 lakhs of pilgrims during this window. Once every couple of years, the temple will remain open from more than 200 days in a year. 2023 is one such exceptional year.

Since Bhai Dooj falls on 16^th November, the temple will stay open for 202 days this year. It has been more than six years since the temple has been opened for more than 200 days. This will increase the number of footfall to this temple.

Right Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple

The temple is open from 2^5th April to Bhai Dooj festival of October or November. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the peak summer season. May to June is the peak summer season and the route will be comparatively easier to cover. Do you know that Kedarnath Temple is the hardest route in the Char Dham Yatra?

Also read : What is Char Dham Yatra?

Suggested Tour :12 Days – Chardham Tour Package