Overview of Panch Kedar
Panch Kedar is a group of five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. These temples form an important pilgrimage circuit in Hinduism chardham tour packages and are traditionally visited in a specific order: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. According to legend, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata constructed these temples to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Here's an overview of each temple in the Panch Kedar circuit:
1. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the most significant among the Panch Kedar temples, located in the Rudraprayag district at an altitude of 3,583 meters. It is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th or 9th century A.D. The temple features a conical Shiva lingam, symbolizing the hump of a bull, indicating its connection to the chardham yatra package legend of Shiva hiding from the Pandavas. The temple has undergone several renovations and is renowned for its ancient architecture, built with grey stone slabs.
- **How to Reach**: A 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
- **Best Time to Visit**: May to June and September to October.
### 2. Tungnath
Tungnath is the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, at an altitude of 3,680 meters. It is believed to be where the arms of Shiva appeared. The temple's unique architectural style and chardham yatra package 2025 location amid peaks like Nanda Devi and Neelkanth make it a popular pilgrimage destination. The temple's compact size allows only a limited number of visitors at a time.
- **How to Reach**: A 4 km trek from Chopta in the Rudraprayag district.
- **Best Time to Visit**: April to November.
### 3. Rudranath
Rudranath is situated at an altitude of 2,286 meters and is known for its natural rock formation, believed to represent the face of Shiva. It is surrounded by alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests, offering a challenging trek for pilgrims. It is considered one of the most demanding treks among the Panch Kedar temples.
- **How to Reach**: The trek begins from Gopeshwar in the Chamoli district, extending about 20 km.
- **Best Time to Visit**: May to October.
### 4. Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar is located at an altitude of 3,289 meters in the Mansoona village of the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple marks the spot where the navel of Shiva's bull form appeared. The temple's setting is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, with smaller shrines dedicated to Parvati and Ardhanarishvara.
- **How to Reach**: The trek starts from Uniana, covering about 19 km.
- **Best Time to Visit**: May to October.
### 5. Kalpeshwar
Kalpeshwar is the final temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, located in the Urgam Valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters. It is believed to be where Shiva's hair appeared. The temple follows the Nagara architectural style, featuring a large tower, a veranda, and a huge brass bell.
- **How to Reach**: The temple is accessible via a short trek from Urgam, near the Rishikesh-Badrinath road.
- **Best Time to Visit**: May to June and September to October.
### Conclusion
Panch Kedar offers a unique blend of spiritual depth, historical context, and natural beauty. Each temple has its unique architectural style and story, providing breathtaking landscapes along the pilgrimage journey. These temples are significant pilgrimage destinations, attracting devotees from around the world who seek spiritual fulfillment and adventure.