Panch Kedar Temples – Uttarakhand, Shivalik Travels

Overview of Panch Kedar Temples

The Panch Kedar refers to five revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of chardham yatra Uttarakhand, India. These temples form a significant pilgrimage circuit and hold immense religious importance in Hinduism. According to legend, the Pandavas constructed these temples as a form of penance. The temples are traditionally visited in a specific order: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.

1. Kedarnath

Significance: Kedarnath is the most prominent of the Panch Kedar temples. Located in the Rudraprayag district at an altitude of 3,583 meters, it is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th or 9th century A.D. The temple features a conical Shiva lingam representing the hump of a bull. The structure, built with grey stone slabs, includes a ‘Garbha Griha’ (sanctum) and a ‘Mandap’ (hall) for visitors.

How to Reach: A 14 km trek from Gaurikund.

Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.

2. Tungnath

Significance: Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, situated chardham tour packages at an altitude of 3,680 meters. It is said to be the site where the arms of the bull appeared. The temple, surrounded by peaks like Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath, is known for its unique architectural style and small shrines.

How to Reach: A 4 km trek from Chopta in the Rudraprayag district.

Best Time to Visit: April to November.

3. Rudranath

Significance: At an altitude of 2,286 meters, Rudranath is known for its natural rock formation where the face of the bull appeared. The temple is set amidst alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests, making it one of the most challenging treks among the Panch Kedar temples. The temple priests are Dasmanis and Gosains.

How to Reach: A 20 km trek starting from Gopeshwar in the Chamoli district.

Best Time to Visit: May to October.

4. Madhyamaheshwar

Significance: Madhyamaheshwar, located at 3,289 meters in Mansoona village, is where the navel of the bull appeared. chardham yatra package The temple, featuring a navel-shaped Shiva linga, is surrounded by picturesque natural scenery. It also includes smaller shrines dedicated to Parvati and Ardhanarishvara.

How to Reach: A 19 km trek beginning from Uniana.

Best Time to Visit: May to October.

5. Kalpeshwar

Significance: Kalpeshwar, located in the Urgam Valley at an altitude chardham yatra from haridwar of 2,200 meters, is the final temple in the Panch Kedar circuit. Here, the hair of the bull appeared. The temple’s granite stone structure follows the Nagara architectural style, featuring a towering veranda and a large brass bell.

How to Reach: Accessible via a short trek from Urgam, near the Rishikesh-Badrinath road.

Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.

Conclusion

The Panch Kedar pilgrimage offers a rich blend of spiritual, historical, and natural experiences. Each temple in this circuit has a unique story, distinctive architectural style, and breathtaking landscapes, attracting devotees and adventurers from around the world.