Chamoli Rudranath Temple (Panch Kedar)- Uttarakhand

Address

Chamoli Rudranath Temple (Panch Kedar)- Chamoli, Uttarakhand 246472

Diety

Rudranath

Introduction

The Rudranath Temple, located in the Garhwal Himalayan Mountains in Uttarakhand, India, is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rudranath Temple is situated at an elevation of 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level. It is set within a dense forest of Rhododendron, adding to its natural and serene ambiance. The temple derives its name from the word “Rudranath,” which translates to “Him who is Angry.” The face of Lord Shiva is worshipped here under the name “Nilkanth Mahadeva.”

Puranic Significance

Panch Kedar Pilgrimage:

Rudranath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples, which are a group of five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other temples in this circuit include Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Pilgrims embark on a spiritual journey to visit all these temples.

Legend of the Pandavas:

According to legend, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata sought Lord Shiva’s pardon as they were burdened with guilt for slaying their own relatives, the Kauravas, during the Kurukshetra war. They were advised by Sage Vyasa that only Lord Shiva could absolve their sins. Shiva initially avoided them but eventually revealed himself as a bull in an underground haven at Guptkashi. As the Pandavas pursued him, Shiva’s body parts rematerialized at five different locations, leading to the establishment of the Panch Kedar temples.

Unique Rock Temple:

Rudranath Temple is a cave temple where the deity is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shivalinga, shaped like a human face, created by a natural projection of a massive rock.

Sacred Water Tanks:

The temple is surrounded by sacred water tanks, including Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, and Mana Kund. These tanks are used for ritualistic bathing and other religious ceremonies.

Scenic Beauty and Backdrop:

The temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, with prominent peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti forming a majestic backdrop.

Rudra Ganga River:

The Rudraganga river flows near the temple and is associated with the river of salvation. It is believed that souls of the deceased cross this river to reach the other world. Devotees visit Rudranath to perform rituals for the departed, including the offering of Pind (ritual food offerings to the deceased).

Opening and Closing Dates:

The temple usually opens every year in the months of April or May and closes in mid-November. During the winter months, the temple’s idol is moved to Gopeshwar and is returned when the temple reopens.

Winter Seat:

In the winter season, an utsava (festival) idol of Rudranath is brought to Gopeshwar for worship and is returned to Rudranath when the temple opens. The journey follows a specific route and includes rituals involving Vandevi, a local protective deity.

Rudranath Temple’s stunning natural surroundings and its role in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage make it a significant and spiritually enriching destination for devotees and trekkers alike. The serene smile on the face of Lord Shiva is said to exude pure benevolence, attracting pilgrims seeking his blessings and forgiveness.