Category: Temples in Uttarakhand

Badhangarhi Temple

The Badhangarhi Temple is a significant religious site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. This temple holds great cultural and spiritual importance among the locals and devotees who visit the region.

Badhangarhi Temple, Uttarakhand
Badhangarhi Temple, Uttarakhand

Badhangarhi Temple in  Gwaldam

The  Temple is indeed located in Gwaldam, Chamoli district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It’s a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is nestled amidst picturesque surroundings and is visited by devotees seeking blessings and solace. The serene ambiance and spiritual significance make it a notable religious site in the region. 

Badhangarhi Name meaning

The name “Badhangarhi” derives its significance from the amalgamation of two words – “Badhan,” representing Maa Kali and Lord Shiva temples, and “Garhi,” signifying a peak or elevated height. This unique combination reflects a spiritual haven nestled amidst scenic landscapes, embodying the divine union of cultural richness and natural beauty. Badhangarhi invites seekers to experience a sacred retreat, harmonizing devotion with the sublime heights of spiritual exploration.

Temple History

This sacred temple holds a significant place in the historical tapestry of Garhwal. Originally a part of Badhāngarh, one of the 52 garhs situated along the left bank of the Pindar River, it was constructed by the Katyuri King during the 8th to 12th century. The name “Badhangarhi” is derived from “Badhan,” denoting a pargana in Chamoli Garhwal, and “garhi,” signifying a fort atop the mountain. Positioned strategically between Garhwal and Kumaon, it witnessed ancient conflicts. In 1670, during the war, Baz Bahadur Chand seized the idol of Goddess Nanda Devi from Badhangarhi, later relocating it to Almora. A local tradition links the temple’s construction to G.W. Traill’s cure from snow-blindness, attributed to the Goddess’s curse

How To Reach

Badhangarhi Temple is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. To reach Badhangarhi Temple, you can follow these general directions 

How To Reach Badhangarhi Temple


From Rishikesh:
Rishikesh is about 220 km from Gwaldam. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Rishikesh to Gwaldam. The road journey offers scenic views of the Garhwal Himalayas.

From Kathgodam:
If you are coming from the Kumaon region, Kathgodam is the nearest railway station. Gwaldam is approximately 210 km from Kathgodam, and you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gwaldam.

1. Pantnagar Airport:
Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Gwaldam, situated approximately 245 km away.
After arriving at Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gwaldam.

2. Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun):
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is another airport that provides access to Gwaldam

you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gwaldam. The road journey takes approximately 10-12 hours.

From Kathgodam Railway Station, Gwaldam is a scenic 210 km drive through the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand. Alternatively,

From Rishikesh Railway Station, the journey covers around 220 km, offering breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas. Both routes involve a pleasant drive with winding roads, making Gwaldam accessible by road from these railheads.

Embark on a scenic 4-kilometer trek from the main road to reach the historic Badhangarhi temple.
The trail offers a rewarding journey through picturesque landscapes to this revered spiritual site

Click Here to Know How to Reach Gwaldam

Read More Info:- Gwaldam

Ardh Badri

In the Uttarakhand region of Garhwal, there is a Hindu temple called Ardha Badri Temple that is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Among the “Sapta Badri” temples, it is the eighth complex. It is a stop on the well-known “Sapta Badri” pilgrimage route. It is included in the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra Package. 

Read More :- Badrinath Temple ::  Vriddha Badri :: Adi Badri ::  Dhyan Badri  :: Yogadhyan Badri ::  Bhavishya Badri 

LocationJoshimath 
Famous ForBhavishya Badri Temple
Altitude 1280 mts
Tapovan Joshimath 0.5 Km Tapovan Joshimath 
Nearest Railway Station or    AirportRishikesh, 300kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 320 kms
Best time to visit May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

Importance of Ardha Badri

Ardh Badri holds a distinctive significance among the Badri temples in the Garhwal region, distinguished by the smaller size of the idol of Lord Vishnu, measuring nearly half in scale compared to its counterparts. This characteristic gives rise to the name Ardh Badri, meaning ‘half Badri.’ Rooted in ancient mythological narratives, Adi Shankaracharya constructed a group of seven temples referred to as the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. This initiative aimed to propagate Hinduism to various parts of the country, marking Ardha Badri as an integral part of this sacred endeavor.

Sapt Badri Yatra                       Char Dham Yatra                                   Panch kedar Yatra
Sapt Badri Route Map             Char Dham Yatra Route Map             Panch Kedar Route Map 

How To Reach 

Once in Joshimath, you can hire a taxi or take a bus towards the temple. 

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 285 km from Joshimath. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath.

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 256 km from Joshimath. From Rishikesh, you can travel by road to Joshimath.

Read More :- How to Reach Badrinath Temple

Bhavishya Badri

Bhavishya Badri is one of the Panch Badri temples located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, specifically in the district of Chamoli. It is part of the famous Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage circuit in the Garhwal region.

Read More :- Badrinath Temple ::  Vriddha Badri :: Adi Badri ::  Dhyan Badri  :: Yogadhyan Badri ::  Ardh Badri 

LocationJoshimath 
Famous ForSapt Badri 
Altitude 2744 mtrs 
Joshimath 17 Km from Joshimath 
Bhavishya Badri
Bhavishya Badri dham uttarakhand

Sapt Badri Yatra                       Char Dham Yatra                                   Panch kedar Yatra  
Sapt Badri Route Map             Char Dham Yatra Route Map             Panch Kedar Route Map 

Bhavishya Badri – Future Home of Badrinath

In the future, the sacred site of Badrinath will undergo a significant transformation, as prophesied. Bhavishya Badri is situated in an undiscovered location along the Dhauliganga river. According to the prophecy, towards the conclusion of Kalyug, a catastrophic landslide will obstruct the route to Badrinath Dham. This event is foretold to take place when the right arm of the Narsing idol within the Narsingh Temple in Joshimath collapses

Bhawishya Badri Temple Mythology

Bhavishya Badri, also known as Bhabisya Badri, translates to the “Future Abode of Lord Badrinath.” According to Hindu mythology, a celestial proclamation was made when Guru Adi Shankaracharya transferred Badri Vishal from Tapta Kund. The prophecy foretells that during the era of Kal Yuga, the mountains of Nara and Narasimha will obstruct the path to Badrinath. In the event of the shrine becoming inaccessible, Lord Badri is predicted to manifest at Bhavishya Badri, establishing it as the new sacred site for worship. In another folk belief, it is recounted that Lord Vishnu initially resided in Tibet. However, as the inhabitants of Tibet indulged in consuming meat, alcohol, and became disorderly, Lord Vishnu departed from the region. During his quest for a suitable abode in the Himalayas, he was captivated by this particular place and vowed to make it his future home. Since that time, this location has been named Bhavishya Badri

How To Reach Bhawishya Badri

Bhavishya Badri is a sacred temple located in the Himalayas, around 17 km from Joshimath in Uttarakhand, India. 

Once in Joshimath, you can hire a taxi or take a bus towards the temple. The trek to Bhavishya Badri starts from Subhain village, which is around 17 km from Joshimath.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 285 km from Joshimath. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath.

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 256 km from Joshimath. From Rishikesh, you can travel by road to Joshimath.

Read More :- How to Reach Badrinath Temple

Adi Badri

It is considered one of the Panch Badri temples, a group of five holy shrines devoted to Vishnu in the region. Adi Badri refers to a cluster of ancient temples situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It’s a complex consisting of 16 temples, constructed in different styles and dedicated to various Hindu deities. These temples are known for their historical significance and architectural beauty.

Read More :- Badrinath Temple ::  Vriddha Badri ::   Dhyan Badri  :: Yogadhyan Badri ::  Ardh Badri 

Adi Badri, Temple
Adi Badri, Temple
LocationChamoli 
Famous ForSapt Badri Temple 
Altitude 1800 mts
Badrinath Temple17 kms from Karanprayag
Nearest Railway Station or    AirportRishikesh, 192 kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 220 kms
Best time to visit May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Mythology About Adi Badri

it was believed that Lord Vishnu made Adibadri his dwelling place during the Satyug, Treta, and Dwapar eras. When the age of Kalyug approached, Lord Vishnu shifted his abode to Badrinath, leading to the name “AdiBadri.” The renowned sage Maha Rishi VedViyas, who organized the Vedas into Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, is said to have composed the Shri Mad Bhagwat Puran at this sacred site.

How To Reach Adi Badri

It is a group of 16 temples located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Here are the general directions to reach AdiBadri 

 Adi Badri is nearest to the Karanprayag road, 
You can also take bus, private taxi from  Rishikesh to Karanprayag and then to AdiBadri.

The nearest airport to AdiBadri temple is Jolly Grant which is in Dehradun and is about 210 km away from AdiBadri.  

nearest railway station to AdiBadri is Rishikesh which is 192 km approx. from AdiBadri. From Rishikesh you can always take a taxi or bus to reach AdiBadri.

Vriddha Badri

Vriddha Badri is one of the Panch Badri temples in Uttarakhand, India. Panch Badri refers to the five temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Vriddha Badri is located in Animath village, about 7 kilometers from Joshimath, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The temple is nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayas and is believed to be one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Read More :- Badrinath Temple ::  Vriddha Badri :: Adi Badri ::  Dhyan Badri  :: Yogadhyan Badri ::  Ardh Badri 

vridha badri mandir
vridha badri mandir
LocationJoshimath 
Famous ForVriddha Badri Temple
Altitude 3200 mts
Badrinath Temple7 Km From Joshimath
Nearest Railway Station or    AirportRishikesh, 300kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 320 kms
Best time to visit May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

More Information about Sapt Badri Temple 

Mythological of Vridha Badri

In the mythological tale of Vridha Badri, the revered sage Narad undertook a penance at this sacred site to seek the favor of Lord Vishnu. Pleased by Narad’s devotion, Lord Vishnu manifested in the guise of an elderly man and granted his prayers. Vishwakarma, the divine architect, then crafted an idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of an old man. This sacred idol initially resided in Animath until it succumbed to flooding. In the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya, a prominent Hindu philosopher, rediscovered the Vridha Badri idol while disseminating Hindu teachings across the country. Adi Shankaracharya reinstalled the idol in the temple premises, and it is believed that the original idol made by Vishwakarma now resides in the main Badrinath temple.

How To Reach Vriddha Badri

Joshimath is the base point for Vriddha Badri. You can travel by road from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun to Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to the temple.

Rishikesh is the nearest railway station. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath.

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 317 kilometers away. 

Panch Dhara and Panch Shila

Five distinct water streams, known as Panch Dhara, emerge from Badrinath. They Name Prahlad Dhara, Kurma Dhara, Bhrigu Dhara, Urvashi Dhara and Indira Dhara, collectively known as ‘Panch Dharas’ at Badrinath. The most visually appealing of these five streams is Indira Dhara, which is situated roughly 1.5 km to the north of Badrinath.
Urvashi Dhara is on the right of river Rishi Ganga; Bhrigu Dhara passes through a number of caves. Water of Kurma Dhara is extremely cold while Prahlad Dhara has lukewarm water.

LocationChamoli
Famous ForBadrinath Temple
Altitude 3200 mts
Badrinath Temple1.5 Km From Badrinath Temple
Nearest Railway Station or    AirportRishikesh, 250kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 270 kms
Best time to visit UkhimathMay, Jun, Sep, Oct, 

Panch Dhara:

The Panch Dhara, originating from Badrinath, indeed holds fascinating characteristics. Each stream has its unique attributes that contribute to the area’s allure. Indira Dhara, being the most prominent, draws attention due to its location about 1.5 km north of Badrinath. Urvashi Dhara, situated to the right of the River Rishi Ganga, offers its own distinct charm. Bhrigu Dhara, passing through several caves, adds an element of mystery and intrigue to its path. Kurma Dhara stands out for its extremely cold water, which can be quite invigorating, while Prahlad Dhara’s lukewarm waters offer a different experience altogether. The diversity within the Panch Dhara not only contributes to the natural beauty of the region but also provides visitors with varied experiences, making it a captivating destination for those exploring Badrinath and its surroundings.

Panch shila:

 There are five famous Shila in Badrinath, which names are – Garud, Nar, Narsingh, Varah and Markandeya Shila.It is refers to five sacred stones or boulders near the Tapt Kund in Badrinath, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These stones are considered significant due to their association with mythology and religious beliefs.
The Panch Shila is believed to represent the five Pandava brothers from the Indian epic Mahabharata—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. According to the legend, after the great Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas visited Badrinath seeking forgiveness for the sins they committed during the war.Each stone is said to symbolize one of the brothers, and it’s a common ritual for pilgrims to offer prayers and seek blessings at these stones as part of their visit to Badrinath. The religious significance and cultural lore associated with these stones make them an integral part of the pilgrimage experience for many devotees who visit Badrinath.

How To Reach Panch Dhara and Panch Shila

By Road

Panch Dhara: You can reach Panch Dhara by road from nearby towns such as Rishikesh or Dehradun. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the nearest point accessible by road, and then trek to Panch Dhara.

Panch Shila: Similarly, Panch Shila can be reached by road from nearby towns such as Rishikesh or Dehradun. Once you reach the nearest point accessible by road, you may need to trek or hire a local guide to reach Panch Shila.

By Train

The nearest railway station to both Panch Dhara and Panch Shila is in Rishikesh. From Rishikesh railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the nearest point accessible by road, and then trek or hire local transport to reach the destinations.

By Air

The nearest airport to both Panch Dhara and Panch Shila is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rishikesh or the nearest point accessible by road, and then proceed to the destinations either by trekking or hiring local transport.

Panch Dhara

It’s approximately a 6 km trek from Badrinath. The trek starts from Mana village, which is around 3 km from Badrinath. The path is moderately challenging and goes through scenic landscapes

Panch Shila

Located further ahead from Panch Dhara, Panch Shila is about a 10 km trek from Badrinath. The trail continues from Panch Dhara and involves a more demanding trek

Pandukeshwar

Pandukeshwar is a small village situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It’s renowned for its cultural and religious significance, particularly due to its proximity to the holy town of Badrinath, which is just about 18 kilometers away. The village is famous for the ancient Pandukeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Yogadhyan Badri (a form of Lord Vishnu), which holds immense religious importance.

Pandukeshwar
Pandukeshwar
LocationChamoli Uttarakhand
Famous ForEn route of Char Dham 
Altitude 1829 mts
Badrinath Temple18 Km From Badrinath Temple
Nearest Railway Station or    AirportRishikesh, 250kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 270 kms
Best time to visit UkhimathMay, Jun, July, Aug,  Sep, Oct, 

Pandukeshwar in Badrinath ( Land of Pandu’s Meditation) 

Pandukeshwar earned its name as King Pandu sought solace here to absolve the sin of inadvertently causing a sage’s death. Legend has it that, cursed by the dying sage, Pandu meditated, installing a bronze Vishnu image in Yogadhyan Badri. The curse led to his death upon intimacy, shaping the fate of the Pandavas

Mythology Facts 

The village is famous for the ancient Pandukeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Yogadhyan Badri (a form of Lord Vishnu), which holds immense religious importance. According to Hindu mythology, it’s believed that the Pandavas, characters from the Indian epic Mahabharata, performed penance here after the Kurukshetra War.

How To Reach Pandukeshwar

By Road

From Delhi: Pandukeshwar is approximately 500 kilometers away from Delhi. You can drive or take a bus from Delhi to Rishikesh, which is the nearest major city. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pandukeshwar. The journey takes around 12-14 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

From Haridwar: If you’re coming from Haridwar, the distance to Pandukeshwar is around 310 kilometers. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Haridwar to reach Pandukeshwar. The journey usually takes around 10-12 hours.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Pandukeshwar is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is around 274 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pandukeshwar. The journey by road takes around 9-10 hours.

By Air

The nearest airport to Pandukeshwar is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 290 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pandukeshwar.

More Info :- Sapt Badri Temple :: Panch Kedar Temple :: Char Dham 

Read more Detail :- How to Reach Badrinath Dham 

Kalpeshwar

Kalpeshwar temple is nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, this sacred Hindu shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. What sets Kalpeshwar apart is its unique manifestation of the divine in the form of Jata, Lord Shiva’s hair. Pilgrims believe that it is the place where Lord Shiva’s hair appeared. Devotees flock to this spiritual haven seeking blessings and inner peace. The temple’s serene ambiance amidst the lush Himalayan landscape adds to its allure, making Kalpeshwar an essential pilgrimage site for those on a spiritual quest.  it is the last and fifth temple in the list of Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit

Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar that is accessible throughout the year.

kalpeshwar mahadev temple
LocationChamoli
Famous ForPanch Kedar, Trekking , Shiva Temple
Altitude 7217, Ft
Starting Point of trek Helang  (11 km Away from Here)
Nearest Railway Station or    AirportRishikesh, 250kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 270 kms
Best time to visit UkhimathMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Mythology about Kalpeshwar

In Hindu mythology, Kal peshwar holds a sacred significance intertwined with the divine narrative of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that after the Daksha Yagna, where Lord Shiva’s wife, Sati, sacrificed herself, grief-stricken Shiva began wandering in deep meditation. During this time, his matted hair (Jata) fell at various locations, each becoming a sacred site. it is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva’s Jata, symbolizing eternity and timelessness, manifested. The name “Kalpeshwar” itself reflects this connection, with “Kalpa” signifying eternity. Pilgrims revere this temple as a place where Lord Shiva’s divine presence endures, providing solace and guidance. The mythological tapestry surrounding Kalpeshwar adds a profound spiritual dimension to the temple, drawing devotees seeking a connection with the eternal essence of the divine.

How To Reach Kalpeshwar

By Road

The most common way to reach Kalpeshwar is by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. The route usually involves traveling via Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Helang – Kalpeshwar. The roads are scenic but can be narrow and winding, so it’s advisable to plan your journey during the day.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Kalpeshwar is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is around 195 km away. From Rishikesh, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kalpeshwar. The road journey from Rishikesh to Kalpeshwar takes approximately 6-7 hours.

By Air

The nearest airport to Kalpeshwar is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 220 km away. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kalpeshwar. The journey by road from Dehradun to Kalpeshwar takes around 7-8 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Rudranath

Rudranath Temple is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas and is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.  it is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva , Among the Panch Kedar temples, reaching Rudranath is considered the most challenging. The trek unfolds amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks, with Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti standing as majestic sentinels, adding to the divine allure of Rudranath Temple 

rudranath yatra panch kedar
Rudranath Temple  (Panch Kedar)

LocationChamoli
Famous ForPanch Kedar, Trekking  
Altitude 3400 mts
Starting Point of trek Sagar Village (20 km Away from Here)
Nearest Railway Station or    AirportRishikesh, 250kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 270 kms
Best time to visit UkhimathMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Mythology about Rudranath

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that after the battle of Kurukshetra in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for the sins committed during the war. Lord Shiva, displeased with the bloodshed, decided to evade them by taking the form of a bull. However, as the Pandavas pursued him, Lord Shiva dove into the ground, leaving behind different body parts at five distinct locations, which came to be known as the Panch Kedar

Opening and Closing date of Rudranath Temple 

Opening Date20 May: The temple will open for pilgrims
Closing Date 18 Oct 2023. Door will close for pilgrims 
Panch Kedar Temple
Kalpeshwar kalpeshwar mahadev temple

Kalpeshwar

Kalpeshwar temple is nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea…

Rudranath

Rudranath

Rudranath Temple is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas and is part…

Tungnath Tungnath Temple, Chopta

Tungnath

Tungnath, serenely nestled on Chandranath Parvat, stands as the world’s highest Shiva temple and the tallest among the Panch Kedar…

Madmaheshwar madmaheshwar trek

Madmaheshwar

Madmaheshwar is enchantingly embraced by the snow-capped Himalayas on one side, while lush green alpine meadows grace the other, with…

Kedarnath Dham kedarnath Dham

Kedarnath Dham

Kedarnath Temple is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state of India. Kedarnath Temple in 12th Jyotirlinga. Kedarnath Dham and…

Panch Kedar Yatra Package
How To Reach Rudranath

By Road

From Delhi (or nearby cities): You can drive or take a bus to Rudranath via Haridwar or Rishikesh. The road journey from Delhi to Rudranath is approximately 420-450 km and takes around 12-14 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.

From Haridwar/Rishikesh: You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Rudranath. The journey takes about 10-12 hours.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Rudranath is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 220 km away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rudranath. The journey takes around 10-12 hours.

By Air

The nearest airport to Rudranath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 235 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rudranath. The journey from Dehradun to Rudranath takes around 8-10 hours.

Tungnath

Tungnath, serenely nestled on Chandranath Parvat, stands as the world’s highest Shiva temple and the tallest among the Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand.  Tungnath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sequence, Temple is situated at an impressive altitude of 3,680 meters above sea level,  The temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old, carrying a rich historical and cultural heritage

tungnatha temple
tungnatha temple
LocationRudraprayag
Starting Point
Chopta
Famous ForTemple, Panch Kedar (it’s a part of Third kedar ), Trekking, Bird Watching
Altitude 12,073 feet
Total Trekking 3.5 Km Trek From Chopta 
Nearest Railway Station or    AirportRishikesh, 230kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 240 kms
Best time to visit UkhimathMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov,

History of Tungnath Temple 

The Tungnath Temple, standing tall with its magnificent architecture, has a history spanning over a thousand years. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, you’ll also find idols of Goddess Parvati and other gods nearby. Adi Shankaracharya discovered this sacred temple, and today, it is tended to by local Brahmins from Makku village.

During winters, the symbolic image of Lord Shiva is shifted to Mukunath, which is 19 km away. The trek to Tungnath takes you through rocky terrains, lush meadows, and rhododendron bushes, treating you to stunning views of nature. The sight of the grand Himalayas along the way uplifts the spirits of trekkers. Trek offers clear views of numerous named and unnamed peaks of the majestic Himalayan range.

Mythology about Tungnath

The story behind  Temple is rooted in the Mahabharata epic. According to Vyas Rishi, the Pandavas were burdened with the guilt of killing their own brothers in the war, and their redemption would only come if Lord Shiva forgave them. Seeking forgiveness, the Pandavas embarked on a search for Lord Shiva in the Himalayas. However, Lord Shiva, aware of their guilt, kept avoiding them.

To evade the Pandavas, Lord Shiva transformed into a bull and took refuge underground. The places where different parts of the bull were discovered are now revered as Shiva temples. Tungnath Temple, specifically, is believed to be the spot where his hands (bahu) were found

Places to See in Tungnath 

madmaheshwar trek
Madmaheshwar trek
Triyuginarayan - Wedding Destination of Lord Shiva
Triyuginarayan  Temple
Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Dham 
How To Reach Tungnath

By Road

Tungnath is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand, such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rudraprayag. The road leading to Tungnath is scenic but can be narrow and winding in some sections, so drive cautiously, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Tungnath is the Rishikesh Railway Station, located about 209 km away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tungnath. The journey by road takes approximately 7-9 hours.

By Air

The nearest airport to Tungnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 215 km away. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Tungnath. The journey takes around 8-10 hours by road.

Tungnath Temple 2023 Opening/Closing Dates       

Opening Date Tungnath Temple 2023  26 April 2023
Closing Date of Temple 1 Nov 2023.

Note :-   Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila will be open in winters.

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