Panch Kedar

Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar are collectively known as Panch Kedar. Lord Shiva is worshipped at the five kedars in different forms.

The first and foremost is the famous temple of Kedarnath ji, which is so widely known for its extraordinary sanctity. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a buffalo hump at Kedarnath.

The other parts of Shiva's body-arms, face, navel and hair appeared at Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar. These four places, alongwith Sri Kedarnathji are known as the Panch Kedar.

According to the puranas, while the front portion of the Lord appeared at Pashupatinath, Kathmandu, the other four parts are worshipped at :

Tungnath for the Arms (bahu) (3,680 m)- The sanctity of the region of Tungnath is considered unsurpassed. The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that form the river Akashkamini. At this temple, Lord Shiva's arm is worshipped. The highest Hindu shrine in the Himalayas, 3 km uphill from Chopta, Tungnath is reached through a path that winds its way through alpine meadows and rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila, with its panoramic views. The entire journey and the shrine are located in some of the finest, most picturesque pockets of the Himalayas.

The temple comes to sight only a few hundred yards before the finish of the trek. Standing in the centre of the stone paved platform, under the summit of Mt Chandrashila (4,090m), the temple is a fine example of ancient architecture. The strong built and powerful looks of the temple, made with stone, symbolize the power and anger of Lord Shiva. The idols of Vyas and Kalbhairav stand along the "Shivling" inside the temple. The other four 'Kedar' are beautifully engraved on silver plate. Facing the small, low gate of the temple, sits Nandi, the divine bull, vehicle of the Lord. Two small temples, dedicated to Parvati and Kalbhairav, adorns the courtyard on a flat rock, possibly constructed to have an idea of stability before starting the main temple construction.

Rudranath for the Face (mukh) (2,286 m) - Situated amidst thick woods, the 'mukh' or the Lord's face appeared and Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Neelkanth Mahadev. The temple is located in the midst of fragrant flower laden meadows where herbs, grow in profusion. In the background, in all their glory, are the glittering snow-covered peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Devastan. Near the temple is a stream of sparkling water known as Vaitarini - the 'Water of Salvation'.

Passing through the glorious mountain scenery, the 17 km trek passes on its way through Anusuyadevi, where Nandikund (2,439 m) is a place where the people worship some rusty old historic swords thrust into the rocks. The local populace earnestly believes that the swords belonged originally to the Pandavas.

The trek to Rudranath can be organised either from Gangolgaon or Helang. A cross-country trek from Mandai to Helang via Anusuyadevi, Rudranath, Bansi Narayan, Urgam and Kalpeshwar or vice-versa can really be rewarding. The temple is surrounded by a number of pools - Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, Manas Kund - while the great peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti rear overhead.

Madhyamaheshwar for the Stomach (nabhi) (3490 m) - After disappearing at Kedarnath, the Navel reappeared at Madhyamadheshwar, 30 km from Guptkashi (24 km trek + 6 km motorable). Here is a magnificent Shiva Temple, approachable through a trekking route that passes through the famous Siddha Peeth of Kalimath. With a back-drop of the imposing peaks of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth soaring up to the Heavens, the unparalleled beauty of the route starts from Guptkashi (1319 m).

Kalpeshwar for the Hair (jata) (2134 m) -In this small rock temple, entered through a cave and set amidst delightful natural surroundings, the manifestation is of the Hair or Jata. The 14 km distance from Joshimath to Helang is motorable and the rest 11 km bridle paths via Urgam, begins with the crossing of the Alaknanda at Helang. Most of the trek is a gradual climb, and located just 2 km before Kalpeshwar is the friendly village of Urgam, in a picturesque valley with terraced fields, lush green forests and gentle, warm and friendly people.

Panch Kedar Itinerary