Panch Kedar Temples in Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Located in the serene and mystical heights of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand form one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits for devotees of Lord Shiva. These five ancient temples—Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar—hold deep mythological significance and are steeped in the tales of the Mahabharata. Collectively, they represent the divine essence of Lord Shiva, with each temple worshipping a distinct part of Shiva’s body in the form of a bull.

According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas were burdened with guilt for killing their kin during the battle. In search of redemption, they were advised by Lord Krishna to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva. However, Shiva, distressed by the carnage of the war, avoided the Pandavas and fled to the Himalayas.

When the Pandavas pursued him to seek his blessings, Shiva took the form of a bull to evade them. But the Pandavas recognized him, and as they tried to stop him, the bull started to sink into the earth. Bhima, one of the Pandavas, grabbed the bull by its hind legs, but the body of Lord Shiva, in the form of the bull, broke into five parts. These five parts later manifested at five different locations in the Garhwal Himalayas, each of which became a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath – The most famous among the Panch Kedar temples, Kedarnath is where the hump of the bull is worshipped. Located at 3,583 meters, this temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, making it one of the holiest and most visited sites in Hinduism. Kedarnath is also part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra.

Madhyamaheshwar – Nestled at an altitude of 3,497 meters, Madhyamaheshwar is the temple where Shiva's navel is worshipped. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and snowy peaks, this temple provides a tranquil atmosphere for meditation and reflection.

Tungnath – Situated at an elevation of 3,680 meters, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Here, the arms of Shiva are worshipped. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and offers a mesmerizing trek through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows. Tungnath is also close to the famous Chandrashila peak.

Rudranath – Located amidst dense forests and green meadows, Rudranath is where the face of Shiva is worshipped. At an elevation of 2,286 meters, this temple offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. The trek to Rudranath is considered challenging but rewarding for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers.

Kalpeshwar – The last temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, Kalpeshwar is where Lord Shiva’s hair or jatas are worshipped. Unlike the other temples, Kalpeshwar is accessible throughout the year, making it a key pilgrimage destination. It is located at an altitude of 2,200 meters, and the nearby forests add to its mystical charm.

Kedarnath: The trek to Kedarnath begins from Gaurikund, which is accessible by road from Rishikesh. From Gaurikund, it is a 16-kilometer trek to the temple.

Madhyamaheshwar: The trek starts from Uniana village, which is a 21-kilometer journey to the temple. Uniana can be reached from Rishikesh by road.

Tungnath: The trek to Tungnath begins from Chopta, which is about 3.5 kilometers from the temple. Chopta is accessible by road from Haridwar and Rishikesh

Rudranath: The trek to Rudranath is one of the most challenging, beginning from Sagar Village near Gopeshwar. The trek is about 20 kilometers.

Kalpeshwar: Kalpeshwar is the most accessible of the five temples. It is located in Urgam Valley which can be easily reached by road from Rishikesh (251 km)