Kedarnath Dham: Devotees to Practice Meditation Even in Winter; Construction of Modern “Smart Meditation Caves” Begins in Kedarpuri

Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand), January 10, 2026: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream project, spiritual tourism in the holy city of Baba Kedar is set to receive a new dimension. From today, the formal construction process of three new state-of-the-art “Smart Meditation Caves” has begun in Kedarnath Dham to promote Winter Meditation Tourism. This initiative is expected to be a milestone for ascetics and devotees who wish to undertake solitary spiritual practice amid the biting cold of the Himalayas.

What is the technology behind the “Smart Meditation Caves”?

Kedarnath already has the well-known Rudra Meditation Cave (also popularly called the Modi Cave), which has received wide appreciation. However, the new smart caves will be far more technologically advanced:

• Insulation Technology (Temperature Control):
  These caves are being constructed with special materials that will maintain a stable, meditation-friendly indoor temperature even when the outside temperature drops below zero degrees.

• Modern Amenities:
  Each cave will be equipped with electricity generated through solar panels, heaters, an intercom system for communication, and CCTV cameras for security.

• Natural Design:
  The exterior of the caves will be designed using mountain stones and natural surroundings so that the original beauty of Kedarpuri remains unaffected.

Meditation even after the temple doors close in winter

Normally, due to heavy snowfall, the doors of the Kedarnath temple are closed during winter, and the main idol is ceremonially shifted to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. However, the Uttarakhand government and the Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) now aim to develop Kedarpuri as a year-round spiritual center.

• A Haven for Spiritual Seekers:
  Once the smart caves are completed, the administration is considering allowing seekers to stay and meditate there during winter as well, based on special permits.

• Strict Safety Measures:
  Given the risks of oxygen deficiency and heavy snowfall in winter, these caves are being constructed at safe locations under the supervision of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM).

Growing spiritual enthusiasm

Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditated in the Rudra Cave in 2019, there has been a sharp rise in online bookings for these meditation caves. According to 2025–26 data, bookings for Kedarnath’s meditation caves are completed months before the temple doors open. With the construction of new caves, waiting lists are expected to shorten, allowing more people to experience the serenity of the Himalayas.

Administrative stance

Speaking on the occasion, the BKTC Chairman said:

“We do not want to confine Kedarnath only to the pilgrimage season. In 2026, our goal is to give ‘winter tourism’ a distinct spiritual identity at the national level. These caves will be a remarkable confluence of modern technology and the ancient traditions of the sages.”