Tungnath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples of Lord Shiva, present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It comes second, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, Tunganath mountains form Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys.

Tungnath temple is also a huge tourist attraction because it’s also a trekking destination along with being a pilgrimage site. Of all the Panch Kedar trek routes, the route to Tungnath is the shortest: only 4 km from Chopta that can be covered in approximately 3–4 hours. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra PAckage in  Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Tungnath Temple?

According to history, Tungnath Temple is 1000 years old. Devotees believe that Adi Shankaracharya discovered the temple. As per alegend, Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins.

However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull and went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations. The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ (Find out more about the Char Dham Yatra). Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.

What is the significance of Tungnath Temple?

The significance of Tungnath Temple is that it has a local Brahmin priest, unlike the other Panch Kedar temples which have priests from southern India. Also, Maithani Brahmins officiate as priests at this temple. Devotees believe that Adi Shankaracharya set this tradition. Moreover, the temple remains closed during winters.

Then, the symbolic image of the diety is shifted to Mukkumath. Tungnath is at the top of the ridge which divides the waters of rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda. Moreover, the temple lies about 2 km below the Chandrashila Peak. Most of the pilgrims arrive at the temple during summers because it becomes inaccessible during winters because of extreme weather conditions.

What are the timings of Tungnath Temple?

Here are the timings of Tungnath Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at Tungnath Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Tungnath Temple are:

• Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition.  It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
• Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.

How to reach Tungnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Tungnath Temple:

• Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport, at a distance of about 260 km.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is about 225 km away from Chopta.
• Road: State-owned buses and private buses run regularly to and fro from the neighbouring cities and states to Chopta.

Where to stay near Tungnath Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Tungnath Temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

• Chopta Hotel/Guest House: This hut is near the temple and one can stay at night after the trek instead of going back to Chopta, specially if you want to enjoy 360 degree Himalayan view from Chandrashila peak in the morning. Tents can also be arranged on additional costs on prior notificatin depending upon weather conditions.
• Chopta- 3 bedroom stay and cafe:  It is present right the start of famous Tungnath-Chandrashilla Trek point. Moreover, Indian and Chinese food is available on request.  It also has a beautiful camping ground and the hotel can arrange bonfire depending on the weather conditions.

What are the other Panch Kedar destinations?

The other Panch Kedar destinations are:

• Kedarnath Temple: It is the first, and the most famous temple among the Panch Kedar templs of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull form of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple remains closed during winters and at that time, devotees bring the idols of the temple to Ukhimath for worship.  Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, which is the historical name of the region.
• Rudranath Temple:It comes third, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. It is followed by Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Moreover, the face of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here. Rudranath Temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva appeared.
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple: It comes fourth, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples followed by Kalpeshwar Temple. Peaks like Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth and Kedarnath surround the temple.Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the place where the navel of Lord Shiva appeared.
• Kalpeshwar Temple: It comes last, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. One must visit Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar temples before Kalpeshwar temple. It is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. Also, it is a small temple and devotees have to pass through a cave passage in order to reach it. Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where the Jata (Tress) of Lord Shiva appeared.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

Rudranath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples of Lord Shiva, present in the Grahwal region of Uttarakhand. It comes third, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. It is followed by Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Moreover, the face of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here.

Many people consider Rudranath as the most difficult temple to reach, among the Panch Kedar temples, which are the five holy temples of Shaivite dedicated to Lord Shiva. Moreover, the Garhwal region is also called the Kedar-Khanda because ‘Kedar’ is a local name for Lord Shiva. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Destinations within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Rudranath Temple?

According to the history, Pandavas established the Rudranath temple. Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins. However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull.

Then, he went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations. The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ (Find out more about the Char Dham Yatra). Rudranath Temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva appeared. At Nandikund, devotees worship old historic swords protruding from the rocks, believing them to be of Pandavas.

What is the significance of Rudranath Temple?

The significance of Rudranath temple is that pools like Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund and Manas Kund surround it. There are also peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti present near the temple. Moreover, it is the toughest trek to reach compared to other Panch Kedar temples.

Before visiting the temple, devotees take a holy bath in the Narad Kund. As per beilefs, the deity appeared by itself, and hence is a ‘swayambhu’. It is a Shivalinga whose shape is like a human face. Also, the holy river Vaitarani or Baitarani or Rudraganga flows near the temple. Devotees believe that this river leads to salvation and hence, they come here to perform the last rites of the deceased.

What are the timings of Rudranath Temple?

Here are the timings of Rudranath Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at RudranathTemple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Rudranath Temple are:

• Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition.  It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
• Doli Yatra: In the winters, devotees bring a symbolic image of Lord Shiva to Gopeshwar for worship in a Doli Yatra which goes through Sagar village. When the yatris reach Pitradhar, they worship their ancestors and at the end of the journey, they reach Rudranath along with the image.
• Annual fair: The temple conducts a fair on the full moon day of Shravan month according to the Hindu calendar. It is mostly on the day of Raksha Bandhan and mainly the locals attend the fair.

How to reach Rudranath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Rudranath Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun 258 km away.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh 241 km away.
• Road: Automobiles can be used till village Sagar. After that, one has to complete a 20 km trek in order to reach the temple.

Where to stay near Rudranath Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Rudranath Temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

• The Tattva Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, 24-hour room service and Laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include A 24-hour front desk.
• Monal Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour business centre and Concierge services are available at this resort. Free WiFi in public areas and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include Dry cleaning, A 24-hour front desk and a garden.
• Hotel Mandakini: This hotel features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace and 24-hour room service are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a meeting room and A 24-hour front desk are on-site.

What are the other Panch Kedar temples?

The other Panch Kedar Temples are:

• Kedarnath Temple: It is the first, and the most famous temple among the Panch Kedar templs of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull form of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple remains closed during winters and at that time, devotees bring the idols of the temple to Ukhimath for worship.  Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, which is the historical name of the region.
• Tungnath Temple: It comes second, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, Tunganath mountains form Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple: It comes fourth, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples followed by Kalpeshwar Temple. Peaks like Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth and Kedarnath surround the temple.Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the place where the navel of Lord Shiva appeared.
• Kalpeshwar Temple:It comes last, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. One must visit Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar temples before Kalpeshwar temple. It is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. Also, it is a small temple and devotees have to pass through a cave passage in order to reach it. Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where the Jata (Tress) of Lord Shiva appeared.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra Destinations within Uttarakhand.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples of Lord Shiva, present in the Mansoona village of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Peaks like Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth and Kedarnath surround the temple. Also, it comes fourth, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples followed by Kalpeshwar Temple.

Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath temples are to be visited before Madhyamaheshwar temple. Also, Gaundhar and Kalimath are two important places on the route to Madhyamaheshwar. It is because Kalimath is a ‘Siddha Peeth’ and is of great spiritual significance to pilgrims. The temple has North Indian style of architecture and a smaller shrine popular as ‘Vriddha maheshwar’ is also present near the temple. It is a part of the  4 Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

According to the history, Pandavas established the Madhyamaheshwar temple. Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins. However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull.

Then, he went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations. The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ (Find out more about the Char Dham Yatra). Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the place where the navel of Lord Shiva appeared.

What is the significance of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Significance of Madhyamaheshwar temple is that water from the precincts of the temple is so sacred that even a few drops are enough for purification. When the precinct of the temple is not available during winters due to extreme weather conditions, the symbolic idol of God is shifted to Ukhimath.

Inside the sanctum of the temple, there is a navel-shaped Shiva Lingam made of black stone. There are two other smaller shrines, one for Parvati and the other for Ardhanarishwara. Moreover, the temple priests are from Southern India and the priests of Madhyamaheshwar are popular as Jangamas.

What are the timings of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Madhyamaheshwar Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Madhyamaheshwar Temple are:

• Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition.  It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
• Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.

How to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at a distance of 198 km.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh at a distance of 174 km.
• Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Then one has to travel by buses or taxis to Ukhimath.

Where to stay near Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Madhyamaheshwar Temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

• The Tattva Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, 24-hour room service and Laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include A 24-hour front desk.
• Monal Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour business centre and Concierge services are available at this resort. Free WiFi in public areas and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include Dry cleaning, A 24-hour front desk and a garden.
• Hotel Mandakini: This hotel features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace and 24-hour room service are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a meeting room and A 24-hour front desk are on-site.

What are the other Panch Kedar temples?

The other Panch Kedar Temples are:

• Kedarnath Temple: It is the first, and the most famous temple among the Panch Kedar templs of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull form of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple remains closed during winters and at that time, devotees bring the idols of the temple to Ukhimath for worship.  Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, which is the historical name of the region.
• Tungnath Temple: It comes second, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, Tunganath mountains form Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.
• Rudranath Temple:It comes third, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. It is followed by Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Moreover, the face of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here. Rudranath Temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva appeared.
• Kalpeshwar Temple:It comes last, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. One must visit Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar temples before Kalpeshwar temple. It is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. Also, it is a small temple and devotees have to pass through a cave passage in order to reach it. Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where the Jata (Tress) of Lord Shiva appeared.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Kalpeshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples in honour of Lord Shiva, present in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Also, it comes last, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. One must visit Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar temples before Kalpeshwar temple.

Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. Also, it is a small temple and devotees have to pass through a cave passage in order to reach it. The temple is in the Urgam valley, where the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Kalpganga is also present.

According to beliefs, Shri Adi Shankaracharya designed the poojas and rituals of the Panch Kedar temples. He was also the one who appointed the priests in these temples. It is a part of the  4 Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Kalpeshwar Temple?

According to the history, Pandavas established the Kalpeshwar temple. Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins. However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull.

Then, he went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations. The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ (Find out more about the Char Dham Yatra). Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where the Jata (Tress) of Lord Shiva appeared.

What is the significance of Kalpeshwar Temple?

The significance of Kalpeshwar temple is that the priests of the temple are Dasnamis and Gossains, who are disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. Devotees also believe that worship here at the temple is capable of absolving one of his/her sins. This is because as per mythology, Saint Durvasa cursed Lord Indra for his sins.

Indra, then came to Kalpeshwar temple and performed penance to please Lord Shiva. Later, Shiva blessed him and helped him gain his throne back. Kalpeshwar temples is also the only temple among the Panch Kedar temples to be accessible throught the year.

What are the timings of Kalpeshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Kalpeshwar Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at Kalpeshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kalpeshwar Temple are:

• Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition.  It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
• Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.

How to reach Kalpeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Kalpeshwar Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (251 km away).
• Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi to reach Ugram village. The remaining distance has to be covered through trek.

Where to stay near Kalpeshwar Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Kalpeshwar Temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

• The Tattva Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, 24-hour room service and Laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include A 24-hour front desk.
• Monal Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour business centre and Concierge services are available at this resort. Free WiFi in public areas and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include Dry cleaning, A 24-hour front desk and a garden.
• Hotel Mandakini: This hotel features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace and 24-hour room service are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a meeting room and A 24-hour front desk are on-site.

What are the other Panch Kedar temples?

The other Panch Kedar temples are:

• Kedarnath Temple: It is the first, and the most famous temple among the Panch Kedar templs of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull form of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple remains closed during winters and at that time, devotees bring the idols of the temple to Ukhimath for worship.  Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, which is the historical name of the region.
• Tungnath Temple: It comes second, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, Tunganath mountains form Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.
• Rudranath Temple: It comes third, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. It is followed by Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Moreover, the face of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here. Rudranath Temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva appeared.
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple: It comes fourth, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples followed by Kalpeshwar Temple. Peaks like Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth and Kedarnath surround the temple.Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the place where the navel of Lord Shiva appeared.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.