Kedarnath Reopens After Six Months, Amid Strict COVID Protocols

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After six months of being closed for the winters, the portals of the Kedarnath shrine were opened on Monday, 17th May at 5.00 am. Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred of Shiva temples, stays closed for six months every winter. Kedarnath, located in Uttarakhand, is one of the most famous shrines of Lord Shiva, visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

(C): Uttarakhand DIPR

Photo of Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India by thewanderjoy

The portals of the Char Dham (four famous shrines) in Uttarakhand - Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - are opened between April and May every year, after being closed for the winter. The Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu will reopen on 'Brahmamuhurta' at 4.15am on May 18th.

(C): Unsplash, Akshay Syal

Photo of Kedarnath Reopens After Six Months, Amid Strict COVID Protocols by thewanderjoy

For this occasion, the temple was decorated with 11 quintal flowers. However, owing to the temporary suspension of the Char Dham yatra, no pilgrims were allowed. Arrangements were made for the devotees to have online 'darshan'. Restrictions such as the mandatory negative RT-PCR test report, a daily cap on the number of devotees, and other standard Covid compliances have impacted the visit of pilgrims to one of the most sought after pilgrimages in India.

How to reach Kedarnath?

Standing at an altitude of 3584 m above sea level, Kedarnath, is guarded by the mighty peaks of the great Himalayas.It is visited by both pilgrims and adventure seekers alike.

By road: The last motorable point and the start of the Kedarnath yatra is Gaurikund, a village 18km from the temple. From here it is a trek or a pony/palki ride to the temple

By air: For pilgrims who are unable to trek, helicopter services are available from Sahastradhara (Dehradun), Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi for Kedarnath. The helipad in Kedarnath is located about 700m from the temple.

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