Kedarnath Temple Gates to Open on 2nd May | 27 Feb 2025
Why in News?
On 26th February 2025, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee announced that the temple gates will open on 2nd 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 4th May 2025.
- Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will open on 30th 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