Panch Kedar is a group of five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.Revered as sacred pilgrimages, these temples hold a deep connection to the Mahabharata and the Pandavas, who are believed to have built them to seek penance for their actions in the great war. The temples are visited in the following order of importance: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.
1. Kedarnath
Perched at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath is the most significant of the Panch Kedar temples. The temple enshrines a conical Shiva lingam symbolizing the bull’s hump, believed to have appeared here.
Architectural Marvel
Built in the 8th or 9th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya, Kedarnath’s construction features grey stone slabs intricately cut and assembled. The Rekha-Sikhara style temple comprises three parts:
- Garbhagriha (sanctum)
- Antarala (vestibule)
- Gudha Mandapa (closed hall)
The temple has a raised platform and includes a six-tiered shikhara topped with an amalaka and kalasa.
How to Reach
Visitors can drive up to Gaurikund and trek 14 km through picturesque landscapes to reach Kedarnath.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit between May-June or September-October for favorable weather.
2. Tungnath: The Highest Shiva Temple
At an altitude of 3,680 meters, Tungnath is the world’s highest Shiva temple and marks the emergence of the bull’s hands. Located in Rudraprayag, it offers breathtaking views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Chowkhamba, and Kedarnath.
Architectural Splendor
The temple, built in North Indian style, has a compact chamber accommodating only 10 people. Surrounding the temple are shrines dedicated to various gods, and a striking black rock symbolizes Shiva’s arms. A Nandi statue and idols of Lord Ganesha, Parvati, and Pandavas adorn the temple.
How to Reach
Tungnath can be accessed via a 4 km trek from Chopta.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between April and November to enjoy pleasant weather.
3. Rudranath
Situated at 2,286 meters, Rudranath is a natural rock temple where Shiva’s face is worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadev. Encircled by lush meadows and rhododendron forests, the temple is known for holy pools like Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, and Mana Kund.
Unique Significance
This temple is also a place for ancestral rituals, as it is believed that souls pass through here. Nearby attractions include Anusuya Devi Temple.
How to Reach
Begin your 20 km trek from Gopeshwar in Chamoli district.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months are May to October.
4. Madhyamaheshwar
Located in the Mansoona village at 3,289 meters, Madhyamaheshwar is the site where Shiva’s navel appeared. Surrounded by lush valleys and snow-covered peaks, the temple exudes serenity.
Architectural Details
The North Indian-style temple houses a navel-shaped Shiva lingam made of black stone. Shrines dedicated to Parvati, Ardhanarishvara, and Saraswati enhance the temple’s spiritual aura.
How to Reach
The trek starts from Uniana, covering 19 km via Bantoli.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between May and October as the temple remains closed in winter.
5. Kalpeshwar
At an elevation of 2,200 meters in Urgam Valley, Kalpeshwar is the site where Shiva’s hair (Jata) is worshipped. The picturesque valley is adorned with apple orchards and the pristine Kalpganga and Alaknanda rivers.
Architectural Beauty
Constructed with granite stone in the Nagara style, the temple features a towering shikhara, a sanctum, and a bell-adorned stone pillar. Devotees celebrate Maha Shivratri here with grand rituals.
How to Reach
Kalpeshwar is accessible via a 2 km trek from Urgam, connected to Helang on the Rishikesh-Badrinath road.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit between May-June or September-October.
Final Though
The origin of Panch Kedar traces back to the Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for killing their kin. To avoid them, Shiva transformed into a bull and hid in Guptkashi. The body parts of the bull reappeared across Uttarakhand, marking the sites of Panch Kedar.
Embark on a spiritual journey to these sacred temples to experience divinity amidst the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.
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