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Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and also the highest Panch Kedar temple, situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This shrine devoted to Lord Shiva is serenely decorated on the Chandranath Parvat. In the hierarchy of the Panch Kedars, it is the third Kedar (Tritiya Kedar). At 3,680 metres above sea level, Tungnath is situated and is thought to be more than 1,000 years old.
Typically, the pilgrimage to Tunganath is made as part of the Panch Kedar trekking, which involves visiting all five temples in the following order, starting in Rishikesh: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheswar, and Kalpeshwar, along a 170 km itinerary (road plus trek length).
The Panch Kedar Circuit (Lord Shiva Temples), which the Pandavas constructed, has a connection between the Tungnath and its centre. According to mythology, Vyas Rishi warned the Pandavas that only Lord Shiva could atone for their sin of murdering their own personal relatives – the Kauravas, who were their cousins – during the Mahabharata battle. The Pandavas then set out to find Shiva, who had been avoiding them ever since he had come to believe that they were to blame.
Shiva disguised himself as a bull and sought complete seclusion in a cave refuge in Guptkashi, where the Pandavas were pursuing him, with the explicit intention of avoiding them. Later, Shiva’s body as the remains of a bull was rematerialized in five specific locations that relate to the "Panch Kedar"—the site where the Pandavas erected temples to Lord Shiva in each location in search of his atonement and blessings.
Everyone is connected to a specific part of his body, with Tungnath standing out as the location of the hands. His bump was seen at Kedarnath, his head was visible at Rudranath, his navel and stomach were visible at Madhyamaheshwar, and his hair or locks were visible at Kalpeshwar.
It is estimated that Tungnath Temple, also known as Tunganth Mahadev, is older than 1000 years. The temple was allegedly founded by Adi Shankaracharya. The Tungnath Mandir, where Lord Shiva resides, is home to his exquisite idol. Near this temple are also the statues of the Goddess Parvati and numerous other deities. Due to the harsh winters, during the winter months Lord Shiva’s idol is transferred to his adjacent winter residence, Mukkumath Temple.
Huge crowds of tourists are drawn to this majestic place of worship by the exquisite architecture of Tungnath temple and its alluring setting.
The winter home of Lord Tungnath is Makkumath. The Lord Shiva idol is moved to Markandaya Temple in Makkumath from Tungnath Mandir, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The Chandrashila-Tungnath region is covered in snow throughout the winter, making it impossible for pilgrims to travel there; yet, trekkers do travel there to complete a snow trek. During the winter, the Tungnath mandir priests also relocate to Makkumath.
There is a surge in visitors to the Tungnath temple seeking to see Lord Shankar. During the winter, when the doors to Tungnath are shut, Lord Shankar’s doli travels in a procession to Makkumath. This doli stops at Chopta to rest for the night during its journey. In Bhankund, people take a nap at night in a cave. On the third day after that, the doli arrives in Makkumath. In the winter, Bhole is worshipped here. These idols return in a copper doli after Tungnath’s doors are opened in the summer, accompanied by a grand parade. Akshat and flower showers welcome the doli. The Bhogmurti is ensconced inside the mandir after the doli has circled it once.
Ironically, it’s the simplest to reach Tungnath Temple Trek, Lord Shiva’s highest temple. A 3.5 kms, moderately simple hike may be taken to get to Tungnath Temple from Chopta. Winters in the area bring a lot of snowfall, making it difficult to get to Tungnath Temple. Tungnath Temple is located at a height of about 3600 metres. Except for when the area is heavily snow-covered during the busiest winter months, the Tungnath trip is well-organised and doesn’t necessarily require a guide.
The top or destination of the Tungnath Mahadev Trek is Chandrashila, often known as the "moonrock." Chandrashila summit is perched at an appealing 13,000 feet above sea level. Numerous legends are linked to Chandrashila. After killing Ravana, Lord Rama allegedly pondered at this top. Lakshman, Lord Rama’s younger brother, is also said to have meditated at this location, the Chandrashila Temple. Chandra, the moon deity, is said to have spent some time at Chandrashila Peak in self-abasement, which is just one of the many legends that make this place special.
To get to the mesmerising temple, the trek path to Chopta Chandrashila trek passes through verdant meadows, charming hamlets, and forest thickets. The walk continues to Chandrashila Peak, which may be reached after a 1.5 km difficult hike from Tungnath.
Chopta village, Sari villages, Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, and Deoria Tal Lake are the trek’s attractions. Despite the fact that the Chopta- Chandrashila trip can be thrilling year-round, it should be avoided in the winter if you are not a fan of the cold. Additionally, the temple is closed throughout the winter.
Route : Delhi – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Sari – Chopta – Chandrashila peak and Tungnath temple – Deoria Tal
You may reach Sari, the starting point for this journey, after an eight-hour drive from Rishikesh through Devprayag (a sacred location marked by the confluence of the rivers Bhagirathi and Alakananda).
Journey specifics : The full trek, which covers a distance of about 10 km, will last 4 days. From Rishikesh, you go to tot Chopta on the first day, and the following day, you depart from there to travel to the next location. You may reach Tungnath, which is 3680 metres above sea level, after a 6 km -long journey. When you go to the world’s highest Shiva temple, you can meditate there. From there, a longer hike takes you to Chandrashila Peak, the hike’s highest point. From here, one may take in the magnificence of higher Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba, and Kedar Peak. Start your return journey to Chopta, Uttarakhand’s version of Switzerland. You will proceed to the following location, namely Sari village, after Chopta. A 2 km, uphill climb leads from Sari to Deoria Tal, which is located at an elevation of 2438 m. When you get to your destination, take in the beautiful views of the majestic Chaukhamba peak and the spotless Deoria Tal Lake.
By Air : Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest to Rudraprayag situated at a distance of 159 km. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Rudraprayag is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
By Rail : The nearest railway station to Rudraprayag is Rishikesh, 140 km away. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Taxis and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag.
By Road : Rudraprayag is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand and northern states of India. Buses and taxis to Rudraprayag are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar etc. Rudraprayag lies on National Highway 58 from where the road diverts to two major destinations Kedarnath and Badrinath.
With the exception of July and August, the weather is very pleasant from April through October. It provides the most lavish and comfortable setting for visiting Tungnath. But the winter, when snowfall occurs in the region, is the greatest time to go on the Tungnath-Chandrashila-Chopta trek.
The main disadvantage is that the Tungnath temple is closed for 5 to 6 months during the winter due to excessive snowfall.
April to June are the spring and summer months. The spring and summer seasons are good for starting the Tungnath trip because of the cool, comfortable weather. The area’s typical temperature fluctuates between 16 and 17 degrees Celsius. In April and May, the village of Chopta is adorned with rhododendrons in shades of red, pink, and white. The best time to go trekking is in the spring and summer, when the scenery is at its most breathtaking
September to November period of the fall. In the fall, this stunning area of Uttarakhand bursts with a variety of fall hues. The area is bathed in the glistening splendour of new greens from the previous monsoon season.
December through March are the winter months. The setting takes on a fairy tale appearance in the months of December, January, February, and early March. It is impossible to adequately describe the area’s immaculate splendour in words. Without a doubt, the winter trip to Tungnath Temple and beyond is a little challenging due to the region’s frequent snowfall. The temperature may rise to 10 degrees during the day and fall to as low as minus 15 degrees at night. However, the trek’s splendour in the winter is ethereal. Your trip will be well rewarded by the clear skies and bleak vistas of the Himalayas’ snow-capped peaks. The Chandrashila Peak and the Tungnath Temple are covered in a heavy layer of snow.
Tungnath temple have local priest from Maku village, unlike the other Kedar temples where the priests are from South India, a tradition set by the eighth century Hindu seer Sankaracharya. It is also said that the Khasi Brahmins officiate as priests at this temple.
In May, the kapat of the Tungnath temple is opened to visitors. At the Tungnath Temple’s inauguration event, hundreds of pilgrims are present. At the same time, the Kedarnath Temple’s kapat is inaugurated. The Shri Tungnath ji doli begins its trip in Mukkumath and travels through Chopta and Duggalbitta to arrive at the Tungnath temple. Date of Tungnath Temple’s closing date: On the occasion of Dussehra, the Tungnath Temple’s closing date is declared. By November, Tungnath Temple is typically shuttered. The deity of Tungnath stays at its winter residence at Makkumath Temple during the winter.
Chopta : Chopta is the starting point for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashilla, the third holiest temple among the (Five) Panch Kedars. It is beautifully gathered amidst the classic velvety meadows. This pristine location is nestled in the Himalayas and provides a clear view of the Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba peaks.
Deoriatal : The reflection lake: Around 50 km from Chopta, this beautiful high-altitude lake (around 2,438 m) sitting amidst mountains and forests makes for a refreshing trek. During the early morning on a clear day, Deoria Tal blesses the tourists with miraculous reflections of Chaukhamba peaks on its crystal clear water. Deoriatal is an easy and weekend trek for beginners.
Ukhimath : Ukhimath is situated at an elevation of 1317 mts above sea level in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. Ukhimath is also written as Okhimath sometimes. Ukhimath is the home of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar during winters. Worship is performed at the Omkareshwar Temple here during winters, when the temple of Kedarnath remains closed. Ukhimath is mainly inhabited by the Rawal’s who are the head priests (pundits) of Kedarnath.
Devprayag : Devprayag is one of the Panch Prayag, the five holy confluences of Uttarakhand. The five holy sites are Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. It is encircled by the three benevolent peaks namely Giddhanchal Parvat, Dashrath Panchal Parvat, and Narsinghancal Parvat. Devprayag is the pilgrimage where the holy rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet, merge into one and take the name Ganga. Situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, the town of Devprayag lies at an altitude of 472 m.
Kedarnath : The temple is magnificent in its style and architecture. It is built on a morainic ridge jutting out at right angles from the snowy range. The temple has a “garbha-griha” for worship and mandaps for gatherings of pilgrims and visitors. The temple of Sri Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3581 mts. above sea level, against the backdrop of the majestic kedarnath range.
Omkareshwar Temple : This Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath features a superbly crafted and carefully maintained icon of Lord Shiva. According to folklore, Usha, daughter of Banasur, had lived here once, thus giving Ukhimath its name.
Indrasani Mansa Devi : The temple is situated in village Kandali Patti at a distance of 14 kms. from the main town of Rudraprayag and at about 6 kms. from Tilwara.It is believed to have been constructed in the age of Adi Shankaracharya. The temple has unique architecture surrounded by temples of Jal Kedareshwar, Khetrapal and Jakh Devta.
Madmaheshwar : The Shiva temple near the source of the Madmaheshwar river, is the second Kedar. According to a legend, when lord Shiva was avoiding the Pandavas, he sank into the earth at Kedarnath with a desire to elude them and his torso surfaced here at Madmaheshwar.
Kalimath : Kalimath is situated close to Ukhimath, and Guptakashi. It is one of the “Siddha Peeths” of the region and is held in high religious esteem. The temple of Goddess Kali located here is visited by a large number of devotees round the year and specially during the “Navratri”
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple : Koteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located approximately 3 km from Rudraprayag city centre. According to legends, this place is considered to be the spot where Lord Shiva stopped for meditation on his way to Kedarnath. According to local mythology the temple has existed since the time of Bhasmasura – a demon who turned to ashes anyone whose head he touched.
Augustmuni : Around 10 km from Rudraprayag, Augustmuni is a small and peaceful town situated on the banks of Mandakini river. It takes its name from sage Augustya, as mentioned in Hindu legends. Surrounded by dense forests and mountains, it is a beautiful place to relax. The temple of sage Agastya is the main attraction here.
Dhari Devi Temple : Dhari Devi is a temple located on the banks of the Alaknanda River between Srinagar and Rudraprayag. The temple is home to the upper half of the idol of the goddess Dhari, while a part of the idol is located at Kalimath, where she is worshipped as a manifestation of the Goddess Kali. She is considered to be the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and is revered as the protector of the Char Dhams. Her shrine is one of 108 Shakti Sthals in India.
Hariyali Devi Temple : Hariyali Devi is at an altitude of 1400 mts on the way to Rudraprayag-Karanprayag, a route diverting from Nagrasu, leads to the Siddha Peeth of Hariyali Devi. Hariyali Devi Temple contains an idol of the goddess on a lion’s back along with idols of Kshetrapal and Heet Devi.
Basukedar Temple : Located at the peaceful village of Basukedar in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Basukedar Temple is a highly revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located away from the main road and is an ideal place for people seeking peace, meditation, respite from daily events, and some amount of hiking.
The ancient holy town of Rudraprayag, which bears the name of Lord Shiva’s Rudra avatar (incarnation), is located 34 kilometres from Srinagar at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers in the Garhwal area. It is positioned at a height of 895 metres, or 2,936 feet, above sea level. The fourth of the five confluences between the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers occurs at Rudraprayag. At Devprayag, when the Alaknanda River combines with the Bhagirathi River to form the Ganga and flow onto the plains, there is a fifth and final union. The climate of Rudraprayag is dependent on the area’s altitude, which is a blessing from nature.
The following areas of three neighbouring districts were used to create the district. Madmaheshwar is in the east, Nagrasu is in the southern east, Srinagar is in the extreme south, and Shri Kedarnath Temple is in the north. The district’s principal river is the sacred Mandakini, which originates at Kedarnath. Rudraprayag is a significant location for religious tourism due to the existence of two distinct pathways for Badrinath (about 150 km distant) and Kedarnath Dham (about 50 km away), drawing tourists and devotees all year long to the Shiva and Jagdamba temples here. In addition, there are lakes and glaciers all around the town. Kedarnath, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in North India, is extremely packed with millions of pilgrims arriving from all over the world.
One of the pilgrimage destinations off the CharDham route, Kedarnath is the most divine of the PanchKedar and is even regarded as the highest-placed Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Deep tranquillity is what you will experience at Kedarnath, making it the ideal location for meditation. It is in very close proximity to the Tungnath temple, also one of the panch kedars of Uttarakhand.
The Chamunda Devi Temple, Basukedar, Chopta, Deoria Tal, Gaurikund, Trijuginarayan, Agastya Muni Temple, Kartik Swami Temple, Dhari Devi, Panch Kedar, Madhyamaheshwar, and Tungnath are some of the well-known tourist destinations close to Rudraprayag. Pilgrims frequently remain in Rudraprayag and travel to Badrinath during the day during the busiest time of year for the Char Dham pilgrimage, when lodging in Sonprayag and Guptkashi might be challenging.
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Kya bachche tungnath mandir ja sakte hai
Haan bilkul … 3.5 kms ka short trek hai ..
on 9th of November this year, will the temple open and can we get darshan