Uttarakhand Travels
PANCH KEDAR CIRCUIT
Strewn across the state of Uttarakhand are numerous temples dedicated to several deities of the Hindu pantheon. Located in the Garhwal region of the state are five such revered shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Collectively known as Panch Kedar (panch in Hindi means five), these temples are Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, Kalpnath. According to mythology, there are several renditions behind the formations of these five sites. As per popular belief, during one of the ages described in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Pandava princes (characters from the Hindu epic Mahabharata) were advised to worship Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand as penance for the bloodshed caused in the war as mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. The legend goes that Lord Shiva was hiding from the Pandavas by taking the form of a buffalo but was identified by Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers. On being recognised, the deity disappeared and manifested himself in five different locations in the Himalayas. It is said the each of these sites is dedicated to a part of the Lord - Kedarnath (the hump of Lord Shiva), Madhmaheshwar (His belly button), Tungnath (His arms), Rudranath (His face), Kalpeshwar (His jata or hair).
START
KEDARNATH
Kedarnath Temple, situated in Uttarakhand's Garhwal Himalayas, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it holds immense spiritual significance. Despite enduring natural calamities, like the 2013 floods, the temple stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Surrounded by breathtaking peaks, its sanctity draws devotees seeking spiritual solace. Pilgrims undertake the arduous journey with unwavering devotion, finding divine tranquility in the temple's serene ambiance.
TUNGNATH
Tungnath, perched in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is the highest Shiva temple in the world, nestled at an altitude of 3,680 meters. Revered as one of the Panch Kedar temples, it holds profound spiritual significance for Hindus. The trek to Tungnath is not just a physical endeavor but a spiritual odyssey, offering stunning vistas of the Himalayas. Despite its remote location, devotees flock here to seek blessings and experience the divine presence in the tranquil surroundings of this ancient temple.
RUDRANATH
Rudranath, ensconced in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Revered as one of the Panch Kedar temples, it holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. Located amidst pristine natural beauty at an altitude of 3,600 meters, reaching Rudranath requires a challenging trek through rugged terrain. Despite its remote location, pilgrims embark on this spiritual journey to seek blessings and connect with the divine presence that permeates the serene ambiance of this ancient temple.
MADHMAHESHWAR
Madmaheshwar, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is revered as one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 3,289 meters, reaching Madmaheshwar involves a rigorous trek through picturesque landscapes. The temple, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush meadows, exudes a tranquil aura that attracts pilgrims seeking spiritual solace. Despite its remote location, devotees undertake the arduous journey to pay homage to the divine and immerse themselves in the sacred ambiance of this revered pilgrimage site.
End
KALPESHWAR
Kalpeshwar, nestled in the serene environs of Uttarakhand's Garhwal Himalayas, is a sacred abode dedicated to Lord Shiva. As one of the Panch Kedar temples, it holds profound significance in Hindu mythology. Situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters, reaching Kalpeshwar involves a challenging trek through verdant forests and rugged terrain. Despite its remote location, devotees undertake the pilgrimage with unwavering faith, seeking divine blessings and spiritual enlightenment in the tranquil atmosphere that surrounds this ancient shrine.