The Panchkedar Shiva temples are a group of five temples situated in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, which are located in the lap of Himalaya, India. These temples are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and are some of the most important pilgrimage sites for devotees of Shiva. The temples are known for their beautiful architecture and stunning setting, and attract visitors from all over the world. These temple are said to represent the five elements i.e, Air, Fire, Space, Earth and Water.
Legend behind Panchkedar:–
Panchkedars have a long and storied history, dating back to the great epic of Mahabharat. According to legend, after the pandavas won the war against the kauravas in the Mahabharat war, they felt guilty and complicit in the murder of their own relatives. To get rid of the sin, Lord Krishna ordered him to seek forgiveness from shiva. Then the pandavas went out in search of shiva for blessings, but lord shiva got angry over the pandavas and went away from them.
So, the pandavas 1st went to see shiva, but Mahadev left Kashi to Guptakashi. After that, the pandavas searched for shiva & reached Guptakashi. But lord shiva did not want to see the pandavas. That’s why he got away from there and came to the Himalayan gorge and disguised himself as a bull and hide himself among animals. Then the pandavas were very cunning, they followed lord shiva and reached the kedar pass in the Himalayans. The pandavas got suspicious when they saw shiva in the form of a bull. Bhima got hold of his tail, & hind legs by forcefully. The bull incarnate slipped from his grasp and only the hump could be retained.
Shiv was pleased with the devotion and strong resolve of the pandavas, & freed them a vision of that time. Since then, lord shiv has been worshipped in the shape of a bull’s back as Shree Kedarnath, which is one of the jyotirlingas of 12th auspicious Jyotirlinga.
The rest of the body Part’s of lord shiva appeared in 4 different places – the arms appearing in Tungnath, the face displaying up at Rudranath, the nabhi (navel) and stomach surfacing in Madhya Maheshwar and the head & Hair part appearing in Kalpeshwar.
Along with kedarnath, These four dhams are collectively called “PanchKedar”.
Here is the:
list of Panchakedar Shiva Temples
1.Kedarnath
The Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of worshippers every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is especially popular during the Shivaratri festival. During winter, the deities from the Kedarnath Temple are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped there for six months. It is located in the city Ramabra of the District Rudraprayag.
- Temple Opening Timing:- During only 6 Months Daily at 4a.m to 9p.m
- Heights:- 3583meters from Sea level
- Distance:- 223km from Rishikesh
How to reach:- You can walk which is mostly preferred option by young devotees. Also we do have other transport mediums like Bus, Cabs & Air Services.
Places to stay:- Tourists rest House, Temple committee guest, Hotels and Lodges & also dharmashalas are available .
Places near Kedarnath:- Guptakashi, Vasuki tal lake, Ukhimath, Chopta – mini switzerland of uttarakhad, Chandrashila trek.
2.Tungnath
Tungnath is one of the highest shiva temples in the world and is the highest of the panchkedar temples located in the Rudraprayag District.
- Temple Opening timing:- 6a.m to 7 p.m
- Heights:- 3680 meters(12,073ft) From Sea level.
- Distance:- 215km from Rishikesh
- Places to stay:- Dharmashala & Hotel at chopta.
3.Madhya Maheshwar
A small sacred town of Madhyamaheshwar shiv temple is a full of Mysteries & Blessed with bounty of Nature. The classic temple architecture belongs to the north-Indian style & Salubrious weather that makes you feel good.
- Temple opening time:- 7a.m to 8p.m
- Heights:– 3490 meters from Sea Level
- Distance:- 227km from Rishikesh
- Places to stay:- Dharmashalas
- Excursion Destination like :- Chandrashila, Deer Sanctuary & chamoli
4.Rudranath
This Natural Rock Temple is situated in the Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalayan Mountains. It is the one of the temple is full of Adventure & Amazing Natural Views.
- Heights:-2286 meters from sea level
- Temple opening timing:– 7a.m to 7p.m, Aarati performed in the evening Daily at 6.30pm
- Distance:– 241km from Rishikesh
- Places to stay:– Dharmashalas
- Excursion Destination Like:- Surya Kund and Manas Kund, Tara kund
5.Kalpeshwar
Kalpeshwar is the last & 5th shiv temple in the list of Panchkedar Pilgrimage circuit. It is the only panchkedar temple accessible throughout the year.
- Heights:-2200 meters from sea level.
- Temple opening timing:– The temple is open 12 months a year Daily at 7 a.m to 6 pm.
- Distance:-155km from Rishikesh
- Places to stay:– Dharmashalas
- Excursion Destination like :- Valley of flowers, Gopinath Temple
Best time to Visit on Panchkedar:-
The best months for Visiting on the holy pilgrimage of Panchkedar is between the months of May to November. 4 shiva temples out of Panchkedar are open only for 6 months. Specially, going to this place in summer season is very good & convenient for tourists. But During Manson season, It is dangerous for tourists to travel this place due to Cyclone & Earthquake. This place is closed for tourists during winters as the roads leading to the placed are closed due to heavy snowfall. Each of these temples are the presiding deities are transffered to their winter abode; which are
Keadarnath deity replace at Ukhimatha, Tungnath deity replace at Mokumath, Rudranath replace at Gopeshwar, Madhyamaheshwar also replace at ukhimatha. However , kalpeshwar dham is one shrine which remains open throughout the year and dose not shut down for the winter months.
Route Map for Panchkedar Visit:-
Rishikesh -Rudraprayag- Guptakashi- Gaurikund – Kedarnath(1st Kedar) – Ukhimatha – Mansuna – Uniyana – Ranshi – Madhyamaheswar(2nd Kedar) – Ukhimatha – Chopta – Tungnath(3rd Kedar) – Chopta – Mandal – Sagar – Gangol – Rudranath(4th Kedar) – Gangol – Gopeshwar – Chamoli – Helang – Kalpeswar(5th Kedar)
Total visiting Trekk days :-
The Trekking journey of the entire 5 Kedar temples will take almost 15 days & 14 nights. And also you are make sure physically fit before the beginning of the journey.
I hope you will like the information about Panchkedar Shiva Temples in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. if you are ever in the area, be sure to visit panchkedar Shiv Temples in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand & experience the divine power of lord Mahadev & also if you have any question about this places, then you can comment me. I will try to reply to your comment.
