At Kedarnath, special pujas such as Rudrabhishek, Mahabhishek and Shodashopachar are performed early in the morning, before general darshan opens. These are booked with the Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), on its official website or at the temple office. During these morning pujas, a small group of devotees can sit close to the Swayambhu Jyotirlinga, which is a very special experience.
This guide explains the booking process, the main pujas, the official fees and how to plan your trek so you reach in time.
How to book Kedarnath puja
Online on the BKTC website
- Visit badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in, the official temple committee website.
- Choose Shri Kedarnath and the puja you want.
- Pick the date and enter the names (and gotra) of the devotees.
- Pay online and download the receipt.
- In Kedarnath, report at the BKTC office the evening before to confirm your reporting time.
Puja slots for May, June and the first half of October fill up very fast. Book soon after you fix your dates and your Char Dham registration.
At the temple office in Kedarnath
If slots are available, you can book at the BKTC counter near the temple. This is easier in September and late October, when there are fewer pilgrims.
Watch out for fraud
Only the BKTC issues official puja receipts. There is no "VIP puja ticket" sold by agents or social media pages. If someone asks you to pay into a personal account, it is a scam. Report fraud on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Kedarnath puja list and official fees
The fees below are from the current official Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee list. Most morning pujas cover up to 5 people, and 2 more can be added free of charge. The committee can revise rates before a new season, so check the official site before paying.
Pujas you attend in person
Your presence is required for these pujas.
Morning pujas
| Puja | Persons allowed | Free add-on persons | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahabhishek Puja | 5 | 2 | 11,500 |
| Rudrabhishek Puja | 5 | 2 | 7,500 |
| Shodashopachar Puja | 5 | 2 | 7,500 |
| Laghu Rudrabhishek Puja | 5 | 2 | 7,100 |
| Ashtopachar Puja | 5 | 2 | 1,100 |
| Panchopachar Puja | 5 | 2 | 1,100 |
| Entire puja of the day | 5 | 2 | 51,000 |
Evening aarti and paths
| Path / aarti | Duration | Persons allowed | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiv Ashtottari Path | 5 minutes | 3 | 1,500 |
| Shiv Sahasranaam Path | 10 minutes | 3 | 2,500 |
| Shiv Namavali | 15 minutes | 3 | 2,500 |
| Shiv Mahimna Stotram Path | 12 minutes | 3 | 2,500 |
| Shiv Aparadh Kshamapan Stotram Path | 12 minutes | 3 | 2,500 |
| Shiv Tandav Stotram Path | 12 minutes | 3 | 2,100 |
| Entire evening aarti | 1 hour | 1 | 3,100 |
No add-on persons are allowed for the evening paths.
Pujas and bhog done for you (you need not be present)
Morning puja through the chief priest (around 4 am)
| Puja | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Early morning puja | 1,100 |
| Baal Bhog | 1,500 |
Daily bhog and offerings
| Offering | Fee (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Uttam Bhog Puja | 900 | By the chief priest, 3 to 4 pm |
| Special Bhog Puja | 900 | By the chief priest, 3 to 4 pm |
| Simple Bhog Puja | 300 | By the chief priest, 3 to 4 pm |
| Daily bhog distribution | 100 and above | |
| Sadavrat Khichdi | 5,100 | Bhog prasad for 5 persons |
| Daily Yagya / Havan | 2,500 | After midday, through a priest |
| Akhand Jyoti, daily | 5,100 | |
| Deep Batti Daan | 1,500 and above | |
| Bhairav Pujan Bhent | 1,500 and above | |
| Nitya Niyam Bhog of Shri Kedarnath ji | 3,510 | Bhog donation for the entire day |
| Nitya Niyam Bhog for deities of subordinate temples | 5,330 |
Prasad by post (Atka Bhog)
| Delivery | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary post | 1,100 |
| Registered post | 2,100 |
You can also donate towards Atka Bhog as a deposit with the temple. The interest pays for Kedarnath ji's daily bhog, and bhasm and pushp (flower) prasad is posted to you every year for five years.
Bandhaan puja for ten years (you need not be present)
The committee performs your chosen puja or bhog on a date you pick (such as a birthday or anniversary) every year for ten years. Bhasm and pushp prasad is sent to you by registered post each year.
| Puja / bhog | Fee for 10 years (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mahabhishek Puja | 31,000 |
| Maha Bhog | 16,000 |
| Abhishek Puja | 15,000 |
| Laghu Rudrabhishek Puja | 11,000 |
| Shodashopachar Puja | 8,100 |
| Entire evening aarti | 8,100 |
| Baal Bhog | 2,900 |
| Shiv Namavali | 2,800 |
| Shiv Mahimna Stotram Path | 2,500 |
| Shiv Tandav Stotram Path | 2,500 |
| Shiv Sahasranaam Path | 2,400 |
| Shiv Aparadh Kshamapan Stotram Path | 2,400 |
| Kapoor Aarti | 2,400 |
| Shiv Ashtottari Path | 1,800 |
Puja on special occasions (you need not be present)
| Puja | When | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Akhand Jyoti, annual | For the entire yatra year | 51,000 |
| Shravani Purnima Annakoot | One day before Raksha Bandhan | 10,000 |
| Shiv Samadhi Pujan | On the kapat closing day | 7,100 |
| Prati Somvar Yagya Havan | Every Monday, after midday | 2,500 |
Example: what a family pays
Kedarnath morning pujas are priced per booking, not per person. One Rudrabhishek booking at ₹7,500 covers up to 5 family members, with 2 more allowed as add-on persons. The 2 add-on persons cost nothing extra, so a family of up to 7 can attend one Rudrabhishek for ₹7,500. This is very different from Badrinath, where pujas are priced per person.
Which Kedarnath puja should you choose?
- Rudrabhishek is the most popular. Abhishek of the Jyotirlinga with Rudri path, for a family of up to 5.
- Maha Abhishek is longer and more elaborate. Good for a special occasion or a family sankalp.
- Shodashopachar Puja is short (about 15 minutes) and a good choice if you are tired after the trek but still want to sit close to the lingam.
- Shiv Sahasranama or Shiv Tandav path are low-cost options for 1 to 3 people.
Kedarnath temple timings
| Darshan | Usual time (season) |
|---|---|
| Special morning pujas (booked) | From about 4 am |
| General darshan | Around 6 or 7 am to 3 pm |
| Afternoon break | Around 3 to 5 pm |
| Evening Shringar darshan and aarti | Around 5 to 9 pm |
In the evening the lingam is decorated (shringar), and devotees see it from a distance. Close darshan near the lingam is possible mainly during the booked morning pujas. Timings change in peak season, so confirm at the temple office.
Plan your trek around the puja
Kedarnath is 16 km from Gaurikund on foot, at 3,583 m. A 4 am puja means you must stay overnight in Kedarnath the night before.
- Day 1: Start the trek from Gaurikund early, reach Kedarnath by afternoon, report at the BKTC office and rest.
- Day 2: Wake up at 3 am, bathe, and report for your puja. After puja, visit Bhairavnath temple and start the trek down.
Book your Kedarnath stay early. Read our guide on where to stay for the Kedarnath yatra. If you take a helicopter, plan to stay the night, because helicopter return times may not match a 4 am puja.
Tips for your Kedarnath puja
- Carry heavy woollens. At 4 am, Kedarnath can be near 0°C even in May and October.
- Wear traditional clothes and keep a small cloth bag for flowers and prasad.
- Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple.
- Elderly devotees should acclimatise for an evening before an early puja.
- Keep your receipt and Aadhaar card handy at the gate.
Book your Kedarnath trip with Gokeys
We plan Kedarnath trips with an overnight stay near the temple so you can attend morning puja without rushing. See our Kedarnath yatra package or contact us.
