Overview of Panch Kedar
Panch Kedar is a pilgrimage cir
cuit consisting of five revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. These temples are believed chardham tour packages to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata as an act of penance. The temples are traditionally visited in the following order: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Here’s an overview of each of the Panch Kedar temples:
1. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the most significant temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, situated in the Rudraprayag district at an altitude of 3,583 meters. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya established the temple in the 8th or 9th century A.D. The temple features a conical Shiva lingam chardham yatra package representing the hump of a bull, symbolizing Shiva’s connection to the Mahabharata legend. The architecture, with its grey stone slabs, is over a thousand years old, and the temple has undergone numerous renovations.
- How to Reach: The temple is accessible via a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.
2. Tungnath
Tungnath is the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, at an altitude of 3,680 meters. It is believed to mark the place where Shiva’s arms appeared. chardham yatra package 2025 The temple’s architecture is unique, and its location among peaks like Nanda Devi and Neelkanth offers stunning views. Its small size restricts the number of visitors at a time.
- How to Reach: A 4 km trek from Chopta in the Rudraprayag district.
- Best Time to Visit: April to November.
3. Rudranath
Rudranath is located at an altitude of 2,286 meters and is known for its natural rock formation, believed to represent the face of Shiva. chardham yatra The temple is surrounded by alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests, making it one of the most challenging treks among the Panch Kedar temples. The temple priests are from the Dasmanis and Gosains.
- How to Reach: The trek starts from Gopeshwar in the Chamoli district and extends for about 20 km.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October.
4. Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar represents the place where Shiva’s navel appeared. It is located at an altitude of 3,289 meters in the Mansoona village of the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple has a Shiva linga shaped like a navel, with smaller shrines dedicated to Parvati and Ardhanarishvara. The surrounding landscape is striking, with a beautiful setting in the Himalayas.
- How to Reach: The trek starts from Uniana, with a 19 km route leading to the temple.
- Best Time to Visit: 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 temple represents the place where Shiva’s hair appeared. Its architecture features a unique granite stone structure, following the Nagara style, with an enormous tower, veranda, and a large brass bell.
- How to Reach: The temple is accessible via a short trek from Urgam, near the Rishikesh-Badrinath road.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.
Conclusion
Panch Kedar provides a captivating blend of spiritual, historical, and natural experiences. Each temple has a unique story and architecture, set against breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. The pilgrimage to these temples is both spiritually fulfilling and physically challenging, attracting devotees and adventure-seekers from around the world.