Panch Kedar, a collective term for the five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, India. These temples, steeped in mythology and rich in cultural heritage, include Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. According to legend, the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, sought Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand to atone for the bloodshed caused during the Kurukshetra war. Shiva, wanting to avoid them, assumed the form of a bull and hid in the Garhwal region. Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, recognized him, and Shiva disappeared, manifesting in five different locations. Each temple is associated with a specific part of Shiva’s body: Kedarnath (hump), Madhmaheshwar (navel), Tungnath (arms), Rudranath (face), and Kalpeshwar (hair).
Kedarnath: The Hump of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is situated in the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river. The temple is accessible only between April (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima) due to extreme weather conditions. During winters, the deity is moved to Ukhimath for worship. The temple, at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), is revered for its shivling in the form of a bull’s hump.
Travel Information
- Location: Garhwal Himalayan Range, near the Mandakini River, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 feet)
- Best Time to Visit: April to November
- Winter Location: Ukhimath
- Key Feature: Shivling in the form of a bull’s hump
Rudranath: The Face of Lord Shiva
Rudranath Temple, located in Chamoli district, is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is the second temple visited in the pilgrimage circuit. At an altitude of 3,550 meters (11,500 feet), the temple is dedicated to the face (mukha) of Shiva, worshipped as Neelakantha Mahadeva. The challenging trek to Rudranath can start from Sagar Village or Mandal, passing through the Anusuya Devi Temple.
Travel Information
- Location: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,550 meters (11,500 feet)
- Starting Points: Sagar Village (3 km from Gopeshwar), Mandal (12 km from Gopeshwar)
- Trek Distance: Approximately 24 km
- Key Feature: Worship of Shiva’s face as Neelakantha Mahadeva
Tungnath: The Arms of Lord Shiva
Tungnath, the highest of the Panch Kedar temples, is situated in the Rudraprayag district at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet). This temple is renowned as one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and is linked to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Tungnath, meaning “Lord of the peaks,” offers stunning views of the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys.
Travel Information
- Location: Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,680 meters (12,073 feet)
- Significance: Highest Shiva temple in the world
- Key Feature: Worship of Shiva’s arms
Madhmaheshwar: The Navel of Lord Shiva
Madhmaheshwar Temple, dedicated to the navel (nabhi) of Shiva, is located in Gaundar village in the Garhwal Himalayas. This temple is culturally visited after Kedarnath, Tungnath, and Rudranath, and before Kalpeshwar. The temple’s construction is attributed to the Pandavas, central figures of the Mahabharata.
Travel Information
- Location: Gaundar Village, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,490 meters (11,450 feet)
- Cultural Circuit: Visited after Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and before Kalpeshwar
- Key Feature: Worship of Shiva’s navel
Kalpeshwar: The Hair of Lord Shiva
Kalpeshwar Temple, located in the Urgam Valley, is the fifth temple of the Panch Kedar and the only one accessible year-round. At this temple, approached through a cave passage, the matted hair (jata) of Shiva is worshipped. The temple is now easily accessible by a short trek from Devgram village, following the extension of the road from Helang.
Travel Information
- Location: Urgam Valley, Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 2,200 meters (7,200 feet)
- Accessibility: Year-round
- Nearest Road Head: Devgram Village (300 meters trek)
- Key Feature: Worship of Shiva’s matted hair
For more information on tourist places to visit, historical insights, and cultural heritage, visit Bharat Scope.
Please note that while we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage you to verify details such as opening hours, ticket prices, and travel advisories before planning your visit. Traveling responsibly and respecting local customs and regulations ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Nice information. We visited Tungnath and Kalpeshwar recently.
Kedarnath earlier.
Now Rudranath and Madmaheshwar traking are left.
Ukhimath is the place where pilgrims can worship Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar as they remain here for 6 months.
Rudranath can be worshipped at Gopinath temple at Gopeshwar.