Kedarnath is one of the four sacred Hindu shrines, located in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Numerous devotees travel to Kedarnath every year to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. However, due to its location in the Himalayas, the temple remains closed for a major part of the year. In this article, we will discuss when Kedarnath opens for pilgrims and what factors determine the opening date.
Kedarnath Temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. The temple usually opens in the month of April or May, depending on the auspicious dates decided by the temple authorities. The opening date is decided based on the Hindu calendar and astrology, and is announced by the temple committee a few weeks in advance.
The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is decided after performing a special puja called the 'Mahashivratri Puja.' This puja is performed in the presence of the head priest of the temple and other officials. The puja is conducted to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage season. The date of the puja is decided based on the Hindu calendar and is usually performed in the month of February or March.
Once the Mahashivratri Puja is completed, the temple authorities start the preparations for the pilgrimage season. The temple is cleaned, repaired and decorated with flowers and lights. The surrounding area is also cleaned and made safe for the pilgrims. The authorities also arrange for the necessary facilities such as accommodation, food, and medical services for the pilgrims.
The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is also dependent on the weather conditions in the region. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is surrounded by high mountains. The weather in the region can be unpredictable, with sudden rain, snowfall or landslides. Therefore, the temple committee closely monitors the weather conditions and makes a decision about the opening date accordingly.
In some years, the opening of Kedarnath Temple may be delayed due to bad weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, the temple authorities may announce a new opening date after assessing the situation. The pilgrims are advised to keep themselves updated with the latest information about the opening date from the official website or through other reliable sources.
In conclusion, Kedarnath Temple opens every year in the months of April or May, depending on the auspicious dates decided by the temple authorities. The opening date is determined based on the Hindu calendar and astrology, and is announced after performing the Mahashivratri Puja. The temple authorities closely monitor the weather conditions in the region and may delay the opening date in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The pilgrimage to Kedarnath is considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Hindus, and the opening of the temple marks the beginning of the annual pilgrimage season. https://www.chardhamyatra2022.com/kedarnath-yatra/
