GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga
Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath, Gujarat
The first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, standing on the Arabian Sea coast at Prabhas Patan and rebuilt several times through history.
Best: Oct – Mar
Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga sits at an elevation of roughly 3,583 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, and is one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit as well as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
About the Temple
The stone temple stands against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks near the source of the Mandakini river. Its exact age is uncertain, though it is described in the Mahabharata and Puranas, and the structure has withstood centuries of harsh Himalayan weather.
Spiritual Significance
Within Shaiva tradition, Kedarnath is associated with a story in which the Pandavas sought Shiva's forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war; Shiva is said to have eluded them here in the form of a bull before manifesting as the Jyotirlinga.
Presented as religious and cultural tradition. See our spiritual & astrology disclaimer.
Important Traditions
- The temple opens only for around six to eight months each year, closing for winter due to heavy snowfall
- A formal closing ceremony each autumn moves the deity's utsava murti to Ukhimath for the winter
- Pilgrims traditionally undertake the final stretch on foot, by pony, or by helicopter
What Pilgrims Can Experience
- Darshan of the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga against a Himalayan backdrop
- The roughly 16–18 km trek from Gaurikund, passing through changing mountain terrain
- Bhairavnath Temple, a short walk from the main shrine
- The Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar) glacial lake, for those undertaking a further short trek
How to Reach
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the nearest airport, followed by a long road and trek journey; Rishikesh is the nearest major railhead, and the trek to the temple begins at Gaurikund, reached by road from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag.
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September to October, avoiding the monsoon months when landslides are more likely; the temple is closed entirely from around November to April.
Practical Travel Notes
- • This is a physically demanding pilgrimage involving altitude and a multi-kilometre trek — plan well in advance and consult current char dham travel advisories
- • Warm clothing is essential even in the summer season due to the altitude
- • Helicopter services operate seasonally as an alternative to trekking, subject to weather and availability
Nearby Sacred Places
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)
- Vasuki Tal
Bharat Yatra Planning Assistance
Bharat Yatra Tour & Travels can help plan your journey to Kedarnath — route planning, transport, accommodation coordination and local travel support, tailored to your dates and group size. A dedicated tour package for this destination has not yet been published; contact us to discuss what's currently possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The temple is typically open from around late April/May to October or November, closing for winter due to heavy snowfall. Exact dates vary each year and are announced by temple authorities.
Related Destinations
Gujarat
Andhra PradeshMallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Srisailam, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh
Set on the Nallamala hills above the Krishna river, Srisailam is one of the few sites where a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth are believed to stand together.
Best: Oct – Mar
Madhya PradeshMahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
One of the few Jyotirlingas facing south, famed for its pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti and its place at the heart of Ujjain's pilgrimage circuit.
Best: Oct – Mar