Tungnath temple also known as Tungnath Mahadev Temple is one of the Panch Kedar Temples which is located at Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand at an altitude of 12,073 ft from sea level.
This temple is believed to be around 1000 years old . The foundation of this temple was laid down by Arjuna who was the third of the Pandava brothers.
It was built in the North Indian style of architecture and has a dozen shrines of other Gods surrounding the temple.
There are numerous tales associated with the place including the one where Lord Ram carried out meditation to get himself released from the curse of Brahmahatya for killing Ravana.
According to another folk tale ,Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins.
However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull and went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations.
The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ .Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.
Also, legends believe that it is this place where Lord Rama meditated to get himself released from the curse of Brahmahatya for killing Ravana.
Also Read: ABOUT KEDARNATH TEMPLE
Tungnath temple is also a huge tourist attraction because it’s also a trekking destination along with being a pilgrimage site. Of all the Panch Kedar trek routes, the route to Tungnath is the shortest: only 4 km from Chopta that can be covered in approximately 3–4 hours.
Quick Facts
- Address: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand 246419
- District: Rudraprayag
- Deity: Shiva
- Elevation: 12,073 ft
- Architectural style: Vesara
- Timings : 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Time Required : 3-4 hrs
- Photography: inside the sanctums is not allowed.
- Entry Fee: nil
- Festivals: Mahashivratri , Dussehra
- Best Time To Visit: May to July
Kindly Note: Tungnath Temple opens when the Char Dhams of Uttrakhand is opened during April or May every year during Vaisakh Panchmi on the date that is decided by the Badro Kedar Temple Committee on Baisakhi.
The temple is closed during the winter season after Diwali, and the image of the deity is moved to Mukunath which lies 19 km away from Tungnath by the temple priests during this time.
Why Visit Tungnath?
The trek to this Lord Shiva temple is extremely easy to cover. It can be covered by covering a distance of 4 km which commences from Chopta.
However, during the winter season this area experiences heavy snowfall which covers the entire area in a thick blanket of snow, making the temple difficult to access. While trekking your way up to the temple.
You will be witnessing some of the most breathtaking views and vistas consisting of lush green meadows, thick rhododendron coverings, rocky terrain all against the grand and majestic backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges. On a clear sky day you will be able to view the snow clad mountains which embrace the entire valley.
Also Read: RUDRANATH TEMPLE
How to Reach Tungnath Temple ?
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport, at a distance of about 260 km.
From there you will have to take a taxi to chopta and then have to trek for 2-3 hours to reach the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is about 225 km away from Chopta.
From there you will have to take a taxi to chopta and then have to trek for 2-3 hours to reach the temple.
By Road
State-owned buses and private buses run regularly to and fro from the neighboring cities and states to Chopta.
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Best regards
Mike Goodman