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  • Tungnath Part Of Panch Kedar

    Tungnath - Chopta, the highest Shiva temple, is part of Panch Kedar. Trek from Chopta, scenic beauty, history linked to Mahabharata. Best visited Apr-Nov.



Tungnath Temple, perched on the Chandranath Parvat in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, stands as the highest Shiva temple in the world at an altitude of approximately 3,680 meters above sea level. It is one of the five sacred shrines collectively known as the Panch Kedar, a pilgrimage circuit dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas. The name 'Tungnath' translates from Sanskrit as "Lord of the Peaks," reflecting its elevated and majestic location.

Located near the small village of Chopta, often dubbed the "Mini Switzerland of India" due to its scenic beauty, Tungnath divides the water flow of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The temple lies just below the peak of Chandrashila, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan range including peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The geographical setting of Tungnath makes it not only a spiritual but also a natural attraction, appealing to both pilgrims and nature enthusiasts.

History

Tungnath Temple holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and history, with its origins linked to the Mahabharata epic. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to absolve themselves of the sin of killing their kin. Lord Shiva, however, did not wish to meet them and assumed the form of a bull, burrowing into the ground at Guptakashi. When the Pandavas chased him, the bull's body parts emerged at different locations: the arms appeared at Tungnath. Thus, the temple represents the arms of Lord Shiva, and it was here that the Pandavas built a shrine in his honour.

Historically, the temple is believed to be over 1000 years old, with its architectural style reflecting the North Indian or Nagara style. The temple's maintenance and rituals were reportedly organized by Adi Shankaracharya, who is credited with reviving Hindu thought in the 8th century.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time for visiting Tungnath is from late April to early November when the temple is open to pilgrims. The summer months, especially May and June, are ideal for trekking as the weather is pleasant, and the pathways are clear of snow. The temperature during this period ranges comfortably from 10°C to 20°C. However, the monsoon season (July to August) should be approached with caution due to the risk of landslides and slippery trails. Winter, from November to April, sees the temple closed due to heavy snowfall, making the trek inaccessible.

Attractions

  • Tungnath Temple
  • Chandrashila Peak
  • Chopta
  • Deoria Tal
  • Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

How to Reach Tungnath

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 210 km away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Chopta.
  • By Rail: The closest major railway station is Rishikesh, about 200 km from Chopta. Regular buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh to Chopta.
  • By Road:
    • From Delhi: The journey typically involves driving to Haridwar (approximately 230 km) and then proceeding via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and then to Chopta.
    • From Haridwar or Rishikesh: The route goes through Devprayag, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag. From Rudraprayag, one can reach Ukhimath and then Chopta, which is the starting point for the trek.
  • Trekking: The actual trek from Chopta to Tungnath is about 3.5 km, which typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The path is well-trodden but can be quite steep and a bit challenging, especially at the end. From Tungnath, an additional 1 km trek leads to Chandrashila for those wishing to see the panoramic Himalayan views.

Tungnath temple not only offers a spiritual journey but also an adventure through some of the most beautiful landscapes in India, making it a must-visit for those looking to blend adventure with spirituality in the lap of the Himalayas.

Related Uttarakhand Tourism Posts - 5 Panch Kedar

1. Kalpeswar Part of Panch Kedar 2. Kedarnath - Part Of Punch Kedar 3. Madhyamaheshwar Part Of Panch Kedar 4. Rudranath Part Of Panch Kedar 5. Tungnath Part Of Panch Kedar


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