Chopta Tungnath Temple (Panch Kedar)- Uttarakhand

Address

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

Diety

Tungnath (Shiva)

Introduction

Tungnath is indeed one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, and it holds a rich religious and mythological significance in Hinduism. Tungnath is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, in the Garhwal Himalayan region. It is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit and is located at an elevation of 3,470 meters (11,385 feet).

Puranic Significance

Panch Kedar Temples: Tungnath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sequence, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other temples in the circuit are Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. These temples are associated with various parts of Lord Shiva’s body.
Legend of the Pandavas: The legend of Tungnath is closely linked to the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, in which they were involved in the killing of their own relatives, the Pandavas sought the forgiveness of Lord Shiva. They were advised by sage Vyasa to find Lord Shiva, who had taken the form of a bull to hide. Eventually, they found his body parts at five different locations, which became the Panch Kedar temples.
Connection to Lord Rama: According to local beliefs, Lord Rama, the central figure of the Ramayana epic, meditated at Chandrashila Peak, which is in close proximity to Tungnath. It is also said that Ravana, the antagonist of the Ramayana, performed penance to Lord Shiva in this region.

Special Features

Temple Architecture: The Tungnath temple is constructed from stones adorned with painted decorations on the outside, featuring tall towers. The temple includes a wooden stage on top of its highest dome, with a stone image of Nandi at the entrance, facing Lord Shiva. Inside, the main chamber houses the ashtadhatu (eight-metal) idol of Lord Shiva, along with other deities and the Pandavas.
Trek to Tungnath: To reach the Tungnath temple, visitors must undertake a trek that is marked by an arch with the name ‘Tungnath.’ The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan landscapes and is a part of the pilgrimage experience.