Tungnath Mahadev: A Majestic Temple of Lord Shiva

Tungnath Mahadev, situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered to be the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of 3,680 meters above sea level. The temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is a significant religious destination for Hindu pilgrims.

History and Legend:

Tungnath Mahadev temple is believed to be 1,000 years old and has an interesting mythological history. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas, after the Kurukshetra War, wanted to seek forgiveness for their sins. They were advised by Lord Krishna to worship Lord Shiva, who could forgive their sins. The Pandavas, during their search for Lord Shiva, built five different temples in Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar, and Rudranath, which are known as the Panch Kedar.

Architecture:

The architecture of Tungnath Mahadev temple is unique and mesmerizing. The temple is made of stone and is built in the North Indian style of architecture. The temple has a conical-shaped roof, which is covered with snow for almost six months in a year. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Shiva in the form of an armless black stone lingam. The temple is surrounded by breathtaking scenic beauty and offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges.

Trekking:

Tungnath Mahadev temple is accessible through a trek of around 4 km from Chopta. The trek is easy to moderate and can be completed by people of all ages. The trek offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The trek to Tungnath temple is also a part of the famous Chandrashila trek, which is a 5-day trek that starts from Chopta and ends at Tungnath.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Tungnath Mahadev temple is during the summer months of May to June and the winter months of November to February. The temple remains open for devotees from April to November.

Tungnath Mahadev is a divine temple that attracts a large number of tourists and devotees every year. The temple is a perfect example of Indian architecture and offers a mesmerizing view of the Himalayan ranges. The trek to Tungnath temple is a must-do activity for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Tungnath Mahadev temple is a symbol of faith and devotion and is a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace in the lap of nature.