Gopinath Temple in Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Gopinath Temples is located in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple is rooted in the unique tale of Kamdeva facing Lord Shiva’s wrath.
Tungnath: The Highest Shiva Temple in the World
Tungnath Temple is located at an elevation of 3,680 meters in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas. It is the third temple in the revered Panch Kedar circuit and the world's highest Shiva temple.
Story of Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple is located at an elevation of 3,680 meters in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the third temple in the revered Panch Kedar circuit and the world's highest Shiva temple.
The story of Tungnath is rooted in the epic Mahabharata. After the great battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone for the sins committed during the war. However, Lord Shiva, angered by the carnage, was unwilling to forgive them. To evade the Pandavas, he transformed into a bull and disappeared into the earth.
At Tungnath, it is believed that Shiva's arms emerged from the ground, while his other body parts appeared in different locations, forming the Panch Kedar temples. The Pandavas, recognizing Shiva's divine presence here, built the Tungnath Temple to honor him and seek his forgiveness.
This temple is an integral part of the Panch Kedar Yatra, which also includes Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. Completing this circuit is seen as a path to moksha (liberation).
Chandrashila Peak
Just 2 kilometers above Tungnath Temple lies the Chandrashila Peak, standing at an altitude of 4,000 meters. It is believed that Lord Rama meditated here after defeating Ravana, adding to its spiritual significance. The trek to Chandrashila is a bit more challenging but rewarding, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks.
At the summit, visitors are greeted with a 360-degree panoramic view of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Bandarpunch, Kedarnath, and Trishul. For trekkers and pilgrims alike, reaching Chandrashila is a divine experience, filled with tranquility and awe.
How to Reach Tungnath Temple
Tungnath temple is accessible via a 3.5-kilometer trek from Chopta. The trail is well-defined and relatively easy, making it suitable for both pilgrims and trekkers.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 220 kilometers from Chopta. From the airport, taxis are available to reach Chopta.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 200 kilometers from Chopta. From Rishikesh, buses and taxis are available to take you to Chopta.
By Road: Chopta is well-connected and can be reached via Rudraprayag from major cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar. From Chopta, the trek to Tungnath begins.
Best Time to Visit Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple is open for worship only during the warmer months, from April/May to October/November, as it remains snowbound in winter. During the winter months, the deity is moved to Mukkumath, a village located at a lower altitude, where it is worshipped until the temple reopens.
The best time to visit Tungnath Temple is from May to November, when the weather is pleasant, and the trek is accessible. The monsoon season (July-August) can make the trails slippery, so it is advisable to avoid this period. The post-monsoon months, from September to November, offer clear skies and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
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