Char Dham Yatra 2023: Panch Kedar, The Five Most Enigmatic Shrines Of Lord Shiva In Uttarakhand

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Garhwal region in Himalayas boasts of five highly revered shrines of Lord Shiva which are collectively known as Panch Kedar. They begin with Kedarnath, Madhyamaheswar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath which are to be visited in the same order while travelling.

The pilgrimage to the Panch Kedar starts with Kedarnath temple which stands at an altitude of 3,583 m (11,755 ft), the Tungnath Temple (3,680 m or 12,070 ft), the Rudranath Temple (3,559 m or 11,677 ft), the Madhyamaheshwar Temple . 3,289 metres above sea and Kalpeshwar which is 2200 meters above sea level.

As per a legend, when Pandavas were searching for Lord Shiva at Himalayas in order to ask him for forgiveness for having killed their own kith and kin in the Mahabharata war. They found Shiva in the form of a bull. Shiva did not want to be appeased so soon. But after trying relentlessly they were able to catch a part of shiva which appeared in five parts at five places that are collectively known today as Panch Kedar.

1. Kedarnath Temple

Against the rich plush background of greenery, the silver snow on the peaks, and golden rays of sun brightening the Earth, at an elevation of 3,584 metres, above the sea level, the majestic Temple of Kedarnath welcomes the devotees of any creed, and sect to its merciful fold. Situated in Rudraprayag, the temple of Kedarnath is home to a conical shaped Shiva Ling that is believed to be the hump of shiva, during His incarnation as a bull, dropped here. Presently the temple with its grey stone slabs was actually built by Adi Shankara in 8the century AD. Gaurikund, is the nearest point upto which vehicles can tread. Beyond this point, one must walk barefoot amidst the beauteous locale that rejuvenates the spirits of the tired travellers.

2. Tungnath Temple

Known as the highest temple for Lord Shiva in the world the Tungnath temple is located in Rudraprayag. A four km trek from Chopta can take you straight up to the temple. This is where Lord Shiva's arms appeared. On the way up to the temple, one can catch heartwarming glimpses of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chowkhamba and Neelkanth that entice the traveller with lovely meadows and delightful rhododendron. If you are patient enough to climb that extra peak, of Chandrashila, you can savour the entire panorama of peaks surrounding you. This temple is more than 1000 years old.

3. Rudranath Temple

People trek to Rudranath temple from various points in Gopeshwar and trek through 20 kilometres of distance. This is where Lord Shiva's face surfaced on the ground. Built in rock, it is located at 2,286 meters above the sea, hidden amidst alpine meadows and thick growth of rhododendrons. This temple is where Lord Shiva is worshipped by the name of 'Neelkanth Mahadev'. Many sacred kunds (pools) exists in the vicinity of the temple. Fabulous peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti and Trishul peaks draw a natural outline to the charming scenario. This trek is certainly the toughest of them all.

4. Madhyamaheshwar Temple

This temple, situated at an elevation of 3,289 meters, is where the navel of Lord Shiva emerged. Located in a peacefully green Mansoona Village of Garhwal Himalayas and covered thickly by the snow-capped peaks of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Neelkantha this temple is reachable through trekking from Uniana, which is nearby Ukhimath. A distance of 19 km has to be trekked till Bantoli. Whereafter the climb gets steep and uphill.

This place is notable for its thick green forest, wildlife with endangered species, waterfalls, and peaks that makes it a highly worthwhile experience both for nature lovers as well as devotees of Madhya Maheshwar. The temple is built in the North Indian architectural style that is so pleasing to the eyes.

5. Kalpeshwar Temple

In the Kalpeshwar temple, Lord Shivas long matted locks appeared which is why he is called Jatadhari or Jateshwar. The temple of Kalpeshwar is located in the heart of the Urgam valley in Chamoli district at 2,200 metres elevation. Urgam valley, is mainly covered with apple orchards and potato plantations that makes it an interesting audio-visual experience.

From Helang, you can travel to the Urgam Valley through the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, which is actually through a trek of 2 km. Between Helang and Kalpeshwar, you can enjoy viewing the heady confluence of Alaknanda and Kalpganga Rivers. This is a very small Stone temple which should be approached through a cave passage. There is also an age-old wish granting tree called Kalpvriksha which is worshipped by the travellers for granting their wishes.