Uttarakhand is renowned for its spiritual significance; it is home to many temples, each with its unique importance. Today, we will focus on the five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Garhwal region, collectively known as Panch Kedar. These temples include Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. According to legend, the Pandavas established these temples after the epic battle of the Mahabharata. Each temple represents a different body part of Lord Shiva, which makes the Panch Kedar yatra a deeply sacred pilgrimage. Let’s explore each of these majestic temples:

The Legend Of Panch Kedar

The origin of temples considered as Panch Kedar are tied to the Mahabharata era. These temples were established by Pandavas. After the battle of the Mahabharata in Kurukshetra, the Pandavas set out to find Lord Shiva in Varanasi, seeking redemption for their actions, and their search led them to the Garhwal region. 

In the Garhwal region, Bhima encountered a bull, which was actually Lord Shiva in disguise. It is said that Bhima grasped the bull’s tail, and it vanished into the earth and reappeared in five locations, each representing a different body part of Lord Shiva – the hump at Kedarnath, arms at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, stomach and navel at Madhyamaheshwar, and hair at Kalpeshwar. The Pandavas then built temples at these locations, marking the origin of Panch Kedar.

1. Kedarnath

(In Kedarnath, Lord Shiva appeared with His hump)

Kedarnath holds the highest significance among the Panch Kedar temples. It is located in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, and is renowned for its spiritual importance. Kedarnath remains closed for six months each winter due to heavy snowfall in the region. During this period, the idol of Lord Shiva is relocated to a temple in Ukhimath. Kedarnath is the first temple to be visited during the Panch Kedar yatra due to its prominence in the Char Dham yatra. 

Trekking Details:

• Reaching Kedarnath involves a 22 km trek starting from Gaurikund.
• The halfway point called RamBada offers a resting spot along the challenging journey.
• The temple remains closed during winter.

2. Tungnath

(Tungnath represents the legs of Lord Shiva)

Tungnath is the highest Lord Shiva temple in India, and the second temple is on the Panch Kedar Yatra route. Similar in structure to Kedarnath, it is situated amidst the mountains. This place is believed to be where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside. 

Tungnath, also known as Tungnath Mahadev, is primarily located in the Rudraprayag district and forms the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. The name Tungnath means "Lord of the Peaks," which reflects its highest location among the Panch Kedar temples.

Trekking Details:

• The trek to Tungnath begins at Chopta and covers 5 km.
• The path is challenging as it is often snow-covered during winter.
• Chopta offers serene views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi and Bandarpoonch.
• A 2 km trek from Tungnath leads to Chandrashila.
• Chandrashila is significant as it is believed that Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana meditated here after the defeat of Ravana.
• The temple remains closed during winter.

3. Rudranath

(Rudranath is where Lord Shiva revealed His face in the form of a large rock)

Rudranath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar yatra. Rudranath is also named "Him, who is angry" because of Lord Shiva’s third eye, which signifies potential destruction. The nearby Rudraganga River is believed to be a river of salvation, which attracts pilgrims who are offering Pind to their ancestors. 

Rudraprayag hosts the annual fair every year during the full moon night of Sravan, which often coincides with Raksha Bandhan.

Trekking Details:

• Rudranath is known for its difficult trek, which starts from Sagar village.
• Sagar village lies on the route from Gopeshwar to Kedarnath.
• It is the 20 km trek which involves steep climbs and slippery paths, passing through dense Alpine forests and several holy kund (tanks), including Surya Kund, Tara Kund, Chandra Kund, and Mana Kund.
• The temple remains closed during winter.

4. Madhyamaheshwar

(It represents Lord Shiva's stomach and navel)

Madhyamaheshwar is the fourth temple in the Panch Kedar. It is located in Mansoona village, Garhwal, and is surrounded by the Chaukhamba peaks (four peaks). There is an older Vridh-madmaheshwar temple in the region that houses a small shrine of Lord Shiva. Madhyamaheshwar itself houses idols of Shiva’s navel, Goddess Parvati, and the combined form of Aradhanarishwara, which symbolizes the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.

Trekking Details:

• The trek to Madhyamaheshwar begins from Uniana.
• It covers 21 km.
• This trek is moderate and includes key points like Gaundhar and Kalimath.
• Kalimath is known for its spiritual atmosphere and has temples of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva in his Baba Bhairava form.
• Gaundhar provides stunning views and is the confluence point of Madhyamaheshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga.
• The site is especially crowded during Navratri.
• The temple remains closed during winter.

5. Kalpeshwar

(It represents Lord Shiva's hair / Jata.)