Tungnath Mandir: The Highest Temple of Shiva
About Tungnath Mandir
Tungnath is the highest Shiva mandir in the world and the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples. It is located in the Tunganath mountains in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. The Tunganath mountains create the Mandakini and Alaknanda River valleys. The temple is at an altitude of 3,680 metres (12,073 feet) and is just below the peak of Chandrashila. It is the highest Hindu shrine dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. Believed to be 5,000 years old, Tungnath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar series. It has a rich history connected to the Pandavas.
Let us tell you what makes Tungnath Mandir so significant.
What is the Significance of the Tungnath Mandir?
According to Hindu mythology, Bhagwan Shiva and his wife Parvati both live in the Himalayas. Bhagwan Shiva resides at Mount Kailash, while Parvati, also known as Shail Putri (meaning “daughter of hills”), resides in the hills.
Tungnath is deeply connected to the Panch Kedar temples, which were built by the Pandavas. Vyas Rishi told the Pandavas that they could only be forgiven for killing their relatives (the Kauravas) in the Mahabharata war if they received Bhagwan Shiva’s pardon. Shiva, aware of their guilt, transformed into a bull to avoid them and hid underground at Gupta Kashi. The Pandavas found him, and Shiva’s body parts appeared at five different places, forming the Panch Kedar. The Pandavas built temples at each of these locations to honour Shiva and seek his forgiveness. At Tungnath, his hands appeared; at Kedarnath, his hump; at Rudranath, his head; at Madhyamaheshwar, his navel and stomach; and at Kalpeshwar, his hair.
It has also been said that Bhagwan Ram meditated at the Chandrashila peak, near Tungnath. It is also believed that Ravana performed a penance to Shiva, the nath (master) of the peaks, while staying here.
Some folklore also mentions that the moon god, Chandra Dev, spent a year here during his penance. The name Chandrashila is derived from this legend.
How to Reach the Highest Shiva Temple in Tungnath?
Despite being the highest temple of Shiva, Tungnath is the easiest to reach. You can get there with a 4 km trek starting from Chopta (2700 metres). In winter, heavy snowfall makes Tungnath temple difficult to access. During this season, the symbolic image of Bhagwan Shiva is moved to Mukunath, which is 19 kilometres away.
The trek to Tungnath passes through rocky paths and green meadows, offering stunning views of nature. The majestic Himalayas inspire and boost the confidence of trekkers. Many named and unnamed Himalayan peaks can be clearly seen from Tungnath.
Tungnath Temple is not only a place of religious importance but also a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage. Its beautiful location, surrounded by peaceful nature, makes it perfect for those looking for spiritual peace and adventure. Visiting Tungnath Temple is a must for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the spiritual heart of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the Tungnath Temple?
A: Tungnath Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus who believe that visiting the temple can cleanse their sins and bring them closer to Bhagwan Shiva. It is also considered a gateway to the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, which includes five temples dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva: Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar, and Tungnath itself.
Q: Which body part of Shiva is in Tungnath?
A: At Tungnath, the hands of Shiva appeared.
Q: What is the best time for the Tungnath trek?
A: The temple is open from April to November. The best times to visit are from May to June and from September to November. During the winter months, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall in the region.
