Chopta Tungnath Temple (Panch Kedar)- Uttarakhand

Address

Chopta Tungnath Temple (Panch Kedar) – Chopta, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand 246419

Diety

Tungnath (Shiva)

Introduction

• Location: Tungnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, within the Garhwal Himalayan region. It is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, situated at an elevation of 3,470 meters (11,385 feet). Tungnath is a significant part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.

Puranic Significance:

• Panch Kedar Temples: Tungnath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which also includes Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. These temples are believed to mark different parts of Lord Shiva’s body that were scattered across the region.
• Legend of the Pandavas: According to the legend, the Pandavas, after the Kurukshetra war, sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for their actions. Guided by sage Vyasa, they found Lord Shiva hiding in the form of a bull. As the bull’s body parts were discovered at various locations, these sites were established as the Panch Kedar temples.
• Connection to Lord Rama: Local beliefs also associate Tungnath with Lord Rama from the Ramayana epic. It is said that Lord Rama meditated at Chandrashila Peak, near Tungnath, and that Ravana performed penance to Lord Shiva in this region.

Special Features:

• Temple Architecture: The Tungnath temple is constructed with stone and adorned with painted decorations. It features tall towers and includes a wooden stage on its highest dome. At the entrance, there is a stone image of Nandi, facing Lord Shiva. The main chamber houses an ashtadhatu (eight-metal) idol of Lord Shiva, along with representations of other deities and the Pandavas.
• Trek to Tungnath: Reaching Tungnath requires a trek, marked by an arch with the name ‘Tungnath’. The trek offers spectacular views of the Himalayan landscape, adding to the spiritual and physical journey of the pilgrimage.

Festivals:

• Mahashivratri: The temple celebrates Mahashivratri with great devotion and festivities, attracting many pilgrims who come to seek blessings and participate in the celebrations.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Chopta

Nearest Railway Station

Rishikesh Station

Nearest Airport

Jolly grant- Dehradun

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