Spiritual · Kedarnath, Garhwal
Evening aarti and the Bhairavnath ridge
Climb to the open-air shrine of Bhairavnath on the ridge above town in the late afternoon, look down on the temple and the flood plain, then join the evening aarti at Kedarnath as the light leaves the peaks.
Photo: Shivam Kumar 766 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsKedarnath's temple is built of large grey stone slabs on a raised platform, in the North Indian Himalayan style also seen at Tungnath and Madhyamaheshwar. Its hall holds images of the five Pandavas, Krishna, Nandi and Virabhadra; the sanctum contains the three-sided natural lingam, which pilgrims anoint with ghee. Legend says this recalls Bhima massaging the bull-formed Shiva after their struggle.
In the late afternoon, walk up the stepped path behind the town to the shrine of Bhukund Bhairavnath, the kul-devta and guardian of Kedarnath, about 1 km and a short steep climb. From the ridge you see the whole valley: the temple, Bhim Shila behind it, the new protective walls and the moraine of the Chorabari glacier. Come back down before dark.
The evening aarti, with lamps, conch and chanting, is held inside and in front of the temple; the time shifts with the season, so ask at your camp. Pilgrims crowd the courtyard, so keep your belongings close and be patient. Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum. Wear every warm layer you have: at 3,583 m the temperature drops below freezing soon after sunset, even in June.
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Trips through Kedarnath
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Kedarnath. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
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Comfort
Kedarnath, Tungnath and Badrinath by car
Private car with driver
Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Signature
Kedarnath by helicopter, Badrinath and Ananda
Private car with driver and helicopter shuttle
Questions
Before you book
What time is the evening aarti at Kedarnath?
Usually around 6–7 pm, varying with the season and the temple's schedule. Ask at your camp or the temple committee office on arrival, and reach the courtyard 30 minutes early in peak season.
How far is Bhairavnath temple from Kedarnath?
About 1 km from the main temple, up a steep stepped path on the ridge to the south-east. It takes 30–45 minutes up at an easy pace. Go in daylight and come down before dark, as the path is unlit.
Is photography allowed at Kedarnath temple?
Photography inside the sanctum is not allowed, and the temple committee has at times restricted phone use and reels in the temple premises. Photograph from outside, respectfully, and follow staff instructions. Check current status before you travel.