The Panch Kedar refers to five revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. chardham tour packages These temples are considered highly significant in Hinduism and are part of a pilgrimage circuit. The temples are typically visited in a specific order: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. The legend behind these temples is tied to the Mahabharata, with the Pandavas believed to have constructed them to atone for their sins after the Kurukshetra war. Below is a detailed overview of each of the Panch Kedar temples:
1. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the most important among the Panch Kedar temples, located in the Rudraprayag district at an altitude of 3,583 meters. Established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th or 9th century, it is believed to house the hump of the bull when Lord Shiva appeared in this form to the Pandavas. The temple has a conical Shiva lingam and is renowned for its ancient architecture, which comprises large, grey stone slabs. It also has a ‘Garbha Griha’ (sanctum sanctorum) and a ‘Mandap’ (assembly hall). The temple has undergone several renovations over the centuries, reflecting its historical and architectural significance.
- How to Reach Kedarnath: The temple is accessible by a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
- Best Time to Visit Kedarnath: May to June and September to October.
2. Tungnath
Tungnath is the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world, at an altitude of 3,680 meters. It is believed to be the location where the chardham yatra package arms of the bull appeared. This temple features a unique architectural style and is surrounded by small shrines. Situated near scenic peaks like Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath, the temple’s limited size restricts the number of visitors at any given time. The temple also has a distinct black rock representing Shiva’s arms.
- How to Reach Tungnath: It involves a 4 km trek from Chopta in the Rudraprayag district.
- Best Time to Visit Tungnath: April to November.
3. Rudranath
Rudranath is located at an altitude of 2,286 meters and is known for its natural rock formations. This temple represents the spot where the face of the bull emerged. Surrounded by alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests, Rudranath is considered one of the most challenging treks among the Panch Kedar temples. The temple priests are Dasmanis and Gosains.
- How to Reach Rudranath: The trek starts from Gopeshwar in the Chamoli district and covers about 20 km.
- Best Time to Visit Rudranath: May to October.
4. Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar is where the navel of the bull appeared. Located at an altitude of 3,289 meters in the Mansoona chardham yatra package 2025 village of the Garhwal Himalayas, the temple has a Shiva linga shaped like a navel and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Smaller shrines dedicated to Parvati and Ardhanarishvara are also present at the temple.
- How to Reach Madhyamaheshwar: The trek begins from Uniana, extending about 19 km to the temple.
- Best Time to Visit Madhyamaheshwar: May to October.
5. Kalpeshwar
Kalpeshwar is the final temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, located in the Urgam Valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters. This is where the hair of the bull appeared. Kalpeshwar has a unique granite structure chardham yatra with a tall tower and a veranda, along with a large brass bell hanging from a stone pillar. The temple priests here are Dasmanis and Gossains.
- How to Reach Kalpeshwar: It is accessible via a short trek from Urgam, near the Rishikesh-Badrinath road.
- Best Time to Visit Kalpeshwar: May to June and September to October.
Conclusion
Panch Kedar represents a blend of spirituality, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Each temple in the circuit has its unique story, architecture, and surrounding natural beauty. The pilgrimage to these sacred sites is a journey of devotion, introspection, and adventure, attracting devotees and trekkers from all over the world. The routes to each temple offer a mix of challenge and reward, with the tranquil and picturesque settings adding to the spiritual experience.