Uttrakhand, famously known as “Dev Bhoomi” has numerous temples dedicated to hindu deities. The Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand or five shrines of Lord Shiva is located in the Garwhal region. The Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar.
As per hindu vedic sculptures, after the battle of Mahabharat between Pandav and Kaurav vansh, as a penance Pandav’s were adviced to worship Lord Shiva in Uttrakhand. Lord Shiva was hiding from Pandava’s and took an avatar of buffalo, but Bhim (One of Pandav Prince) recognized him. After that, Shiva disappeared and manifested in five different locations in Uttrakhand. In parts of Lord Shiva dedicated to each Panch Kedar – Kedarnath (the hump of Lord Shiva), Madhmaheshwar (His belly button), Tungnath (His arms), Rudranath (His face), Kalpeshwar (His jata or hair).
Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand
Kedarnath
Kedarnath the holy pilgrimage site in the garwhal region is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The conical shaped Shivling is considered as hump of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated in the snowclad peak mountains and amidst the natural beauty at an elevation of 3583 meters. The journey to kedarnath is a divine trek which paves towards the eternal god, Lord Shiva, Mahadev. The chants of “Har Har Mahadev” filled you with energy, and the positive aura brings peace to the soul.
The 16km trek to Kedarnath begins from Gaurikund which is the base of the Kedarnath journey. Pilgrims also take services of helicopter and palki. But I would advise to go for trekking, this is not just a trekking, it’s a soul-stirring journey.
- Best Time to visit Kedarnath: Late April to Early November.
- Temperature of Kedarnath: In daytime, the temperature ranges from 15 to 20 degrees. During night, the temperature drops to 5 degrees.
- How to Reach Kedarnath: Bus services are available till Gaurikund. After that either trek for 16kms or take helicopter/palki service.
Tungnath
Tungnath is known as the highest Shiva Temple in the world, nestled in the Garhwal region is situated at an elevation of 3680 meters. In Tungnath, the arms of Lord Shiva’s appeared. Tungnath is in Rudrapur district and the trekking to Tungnath brings a unique sense of divine experience. The ancient temple is situated in the snow-capped mountain, the panoramic view from the temple is serene and divine.
The trekking of Tungnath starts from Chopta and afterwards the journey of 3.5km offers challenging. The challenge brings a panoramic view of Garhwal region, and the body feel fresh.
- Best Time to visit Tungnath: May to November.
- Temperature of Tungnath: In daytime, the temperature ranges from 10 to 15 degrees. During the night, the temperature drops to 5 degrees.
- How to Reach Tungnath: Bus services are available to Chopta. After that go for a short and moderately challenging trip of 3.5 km for Tungnath.
Rudranath
In the journey of Panch Kedar, Rudranath holds third position, and the pilgrim also called a hidden gem of Uttrakhand. In Rudranath, Lord Shiva worshipped as “Neelkanth Mahadev” and believed his face came up the ground. Rudranath, one of Panch Kedar is situated at an elevation of 2286 meters. An ancient old and natural rock/stone temple of Lord Shiva is amidst alpine meadows and thick forests of rhododendrons.
Image Credit: Google
The trek to Rudranath brings vibrant blooms, thick forest, and various kunds/ponds known as Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund and Mana Kund around the temple. The panoramic beauty of this place and the divine energy rejuvenate the soul.
- Best Time to visit Rudranath: June to September.
- Temperature of Rudranath: In daytime, the temperature ranges from 10 to 15 degrees. During the night, the temperature drops to 5 degrees.
- How to Reach Rudranath: There are many treks to reach this temple, mostly starts from Gopeshwar village. A 20km trek to Rudranath which starts from Sagar Village and to reach this village, travel around 5km. The other route to Rudranath is of 17km trek from Gangolgaon and the village is 3km road travel. Another route from Gopeshwar is a 13-km route till Mandal, followed by 6km trek till Anasuya Devi temple and other 20-km to reach the Rudranath temple. The other routes are from Joshimath and Kalpeshwar.
Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar, a sacred pilgrimage situated at an elevation of 3289m, where the middle part and navel of Lord Shiva emerged. The temple is surrounded by the Garhwal Himalaya’s, and the peaks of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba & Neelkantha. Madhyamaheshwar is not just a pilgrimage, the lush green beauty, thick forest, and an in-depth journey to rejuvenate the body & soul.
Image Credit: Google
The journey to Madhyamaheshwar is not just physical outreach, it is more of natural beauty, divine energy, being with the nature unveils a magic within self.
- Best Time to visit Madhyamaheshwar: Late May to Early October.
- Temperature of Madhyamaheshwar: In daytime, the temperature ranges from 10 to 15 degrees. During the night, the temperature drops to 5 degrees and the crispy wind chilled the body.
- How to Reach Madhyamaheshwar: The 19km long trek to Madhyamaheshwar starts from Uniana. The accommodation is available during the trek which is at Ransi Village and at Gaundhar Village.
Kapleshwar
In the lane of Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand, Kapleshwar is the last destination, where the Hair (Jatta) of Lord Shiva appeared. The Kapelshwar is the smallest temple among the other four Panch Kedar and remains open throughout the year. The Kapleshwar temple is situated at an elevation of 2163 meters and nestled in Himalayan range of Uttrakhand.
Image Credit: Google
The journey to Kapleshwar offers a unique opportunity to connect with divine energy. The natural beauty and the serene escape into the soul of spirituality.
- Best Time to visit Kapleshwar: May to October.
- Temperature of Kapleshwar: In daytime, the temperature ranges from 15 to 20 degrees. During the night, the temperature drops to 10 degrees. The tourist or devotees are advised to carry light layers during the journey.
- How to Reach Kapleshwar: To reach Kapleshwar, motorable roads connect Sagar Village to Helang and from there jeep facilities are available till Urgam. The trek to Kapleshwar begings from Urgam with moderate trekking of few kilometers.
Final Thought
The Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand is a soulful journey which is just not physically translates to your body, but also rejuvenates the soul. The spiritual adventure journey of Panch Kedar nestled into the lap of Garhwal region of Himalaya. If you are willing to experience the beauty of Panch Kedar, then plan a journey to Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which are the Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand?
Panch Kedar are collections of five temples known as Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. - Which Kedar to visit first?
To begin the journey of Panch Kedar, the first Kedar to visit is Kedarnath Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva. - Which is the toughest trek in Panch Kedar?
The toughest trek among the Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand is trek to Rudranth. - Which Kedar opens throughout the year?
Kalpeshwar is the only kedar among the Panch Kedar of Uttrakhand which remains open throughout the year. - What is the 5 Kedar Route?
The traditional route starts from Kedarnath, proceeding towards Tungnath, Rudranth, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar.
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