Kedarnath Temple Gates to Open on 2nd May

• 27 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

On 26^th February 2025, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee announced that the temple gates will open on 2^nd May, 2025. 

 Key Points 

• Finalized Dates for Pilgrimage Sites: 
  • With the announcement of Kedarnath temple’s opening, the dates for all four sacred sites in the Garhwal Himalayas have been fixed. 
  • Badrinath Dham will open on 4^th May 2025. 
  • Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will open on 30^th April 2025, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya. 
  • These four sites together form the Chota Char Dham, an important Hindu pilgrimage circuit. 
• Decision on Kedarnath Temple Opening: 
  • Religious gurus and Vedpathis determined the auspicious hour and date for Kedarnath’s opening on Mahashivratri. 
  • The decision was made after offering prayers at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, the winter abode of Baba Kedar. 

 Char Dham Yatra  

• Yamunotri Dham:  
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.  
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.  
  • River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga.  
• Gangotri Dham:  
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.  
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.  
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.  
• Kedarnath Dham:  
  • Location: Rudraprayag district.  
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.  
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.  
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.  
• Badrinath Dham:  
  • Location: Chamoli district.  
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple.  
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu.  
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites