The sacred Kedarnath Aarti Temple is one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Located in Uttarakhand, near the Mandakini River, Kedarnath Temple attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
Kedarnath Aarti
Kedarnath Aarti is a divine ritual performed daily in the temple premises. The atmosphere during Aarti becomes spiritually powerful with ringing bells, conch sounds, and Vedic chants.
The Aarti is performed in front of the sacred Jyotirlinga and is considered highly auspicious for devotees seeking blessings, peace, and prosperity.
Kedarnath Aarti Lyrics in Hindi
Below is the commonly sung Shiv Aarti at Kedarnath Temple:
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा।
ब्रह्मा विष्णु सदाशिव, अर्धांगी धारा॥
एकानन चतुरानन पंचानन राजे।
हंसासन गरुड़ासन वृषवाहन साजे॥
दो भुज चार चतुर्भुज दस भुज अति सोहे।
तीनों रूप निरखते त्रिभुवन जन मोहे॥
अक्षमाला वनमाला मुण्डमाला धारी।
चंदन मृगमद सोहे भाले शशिधारी॥
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा॥
This Aarti is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is widely recited during Kedarnath Aarti.
Kedarnath Aarti Time
Kedarnath Aarti time varies slightly depending on the season, as the temple remains open only from April/May to November.
General Kedarnath Aarti timing:
Morning Aarti: Around 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM
Evening Aarti: Around 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Note: Kedarnath Aarti timing may change during special festivals or weather conditions. Devotees are advised to confirm timings before visiting.
Special Aarti Performed at Kedarnath Temple
At Kedarnath Temple, apart from the daily morning and evening Aarti, several special Aartis and rituals are performed on important occasions and festivals.
1. Maha Abhishek Aarti
This is a special early morning ritual where the Shivling is bathed with Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar) along with holy water from the Mandakini River. It is considered highly auspicious and requires prior booking.
2. Rudrabhishek Aarti
Performed with chanting of powerful Vedic mantras from the Rudra Sukta. Devotees can book this special puja for health, prosperity, and removal of obstacles.
3. Shringar Aarti
After the Abhishek, the deity is beautifully decorated with flowers, bilva leaves, and ornaments. This Aarti is performed after the decoration of Lord Kedarnath.
4. Shravan Month Special Aarti
During the holy month of Shravan, special extended Aarti and Abhishek rituals are performed daily as this month is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
5. Festival Special Aarti
On major occasions like Mahashivratri (celebrated symbolically as the temple remains closed in winter), Badri-Kedar Utsav, and temple opening and closing ceremonies, special elaborate Aartis are conducted.
6. Samadhi Puja (Winter Ritual)
When the Kedarnath Temple closes for winter, special rituals are performed before shifting the idol to its winter seat at Ukhimath. A ceremonial Aarti is performed during this sacred transition.
Puja Rituals at Kedarnath Temple
Rituals Before Aarti
- Mangala Snan: Ritual bathing of the Shivling
- Abhishek: Offering water, milk, honey, ghee, and curd
- Panchamrit Puja
- Rudrabhishek with Vedic chanting
These rituals purify the sanctum before the Aarti begins.
Rituals During Aarti
- Lighting of oil lamps
- Chanting of Shiva mantras
- Offering of incense and flowers
- Ringing of temple bells
Devotees participate with folded hands while priests perform the ceremony.
Rituals After Aarti
- Distribution of Prasad
- Blessings from temple priests
- Darshan for devotees
- Special sankalp pujas (if pre-booked)
Significance of Kedarnath Aarti
- Strengthens spiritual connection with Lord Shiva
- Removes negative energies
- Brings mental peace and prosperity
- Considered highly powerful during Shravan month
The spiritual environment of Kedarnath Temple during Aarti is deeply transformative.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Kedarnath Aarti time?
Kedarnath Aarti time is generally 4:00 AM in the morning and around 6:00 PM in the evening. Timings may vary depending on the season.
2. What is the difference between Kedarnath Aarti time and Kedarnath Aarti timing?
Both terms refer to the scheduled hours of the Aarti ceremony. Timing may vary slightly due to seasonal or festival changes.
3. Which Aarti is performed at Kedarnath Temple?
Morning and evening Aarti are performed daily, along with Shringar Aarti after decoration of the deity.
4. Can devotees attend Kedarnath Aarti?
Yes, devotees can attend both morning and evening Aarti, subject to temple guidelines.
5. Where is Kedarnath Temple located?
Kedarnath Temple is located in the state of Uttarakhand in the Himalayas.
Conclusion
The divine experience of Kedarnath Aarti at Kedarnath Temple is spiritually uplifting and unforgettable. From sacred Abhishek rituals before Aarti to powerful chanting during the ceremony, every moment strengthens faith and devotion.
Understanding Kedarnath Aarti time and Kedarnath Aarti timing helps devotees plan their visit better. Whether attending the early morning ritual or the evening Aarti, witnessing this sacred ceremony in the Himalayas is a life-changing spiritual experience.
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