The Panch Kedar is a group of five revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. chardham tour packages These temples are part of an ancient pilgrimage circuit and hold significant religious importance in Hinduism. According to legend, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era built these temples as part of their penance. The temples are usually visited in a specific order: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Below is an overview of each temple in the Panch Kedar circuit.
1. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the most prominent among the Panch Kedar temples, located in the Rudraprayag district at an altitude of 3,583 meters. Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have established this temple in the 8th or 9th century A.D. The temple features a conical Shiva lingam, representing the hump of the bull. The architecture is over a thousand years old, constructed with grey stone slabs. Inside, there’s a ‘Garbha Griha’ (inner sanctum) and a ‘Mandap’ (assembly hall). Despite undergoing several renovations, chardham yatra package the temple retains its historic significance.
How to Reach Kedarnath: The temple is accessible by a 14 km trek from Gaurikund. Best Time to Visit Kedarnath: 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 the bull appeared. The temple is located near prominent peaks such as Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath. Tungnath’s architecture includes several smaller shrines around the main temple. A distinct black rock in the temple symbolizes Shiva’s arms.
How to Reach Tungnath: A 4 km trek from Chopta in the Rudraprayag district leads to Tungnath. Best Time to Visit Tungnath: April to November.
3. Rudranath
Rudranath is located at an altitude of 2,286 meters, known for its natural rock formation, symbolizing the face of the bull. chardham yatra package 2025 This temple is surrounded by alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests. The trek to Rudranath is among the most challenging in the Panch Kedar circuit. The temple’s priests are Dasmanis and Gosains.
How to Reach Rudranath: The trek starts from Gopeshwar in the Chamoli district and covers about 20 km. Best Time to Visit Rudranath: May to October.
4. Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar is the site where the navel of the bull appeared, located in the Mansoona village at an altitude of 3,289 meters. The temple has a Shiva lingam in the shape of a navel chardham yatra and is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Smaller shrines dedicated to Parvati and Ardhanarishvara are also present.
How to Reach Madhyamaheshwar: The trek begins from Uniana, covering a 19 km route to reach the temple. Best Time to Visit Madhyamaheshwar: 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. This temple is where the hair of the bull appeared. It has a unique granite stone structure and follows the Nagara architectural style. The temple features a large tower with a veranda and a massive brass bell. The temple’s priests are the Dasnamis and Gossains.
How to Reach Kalpeshwar: Kalpeshwar can be reached through a short trek from Urgam, which is near the Rishikesh-Badrinath road. Best Time to Visit Kalpeshwar: May to June and September to October.
Conclusion
The Panch Kedar pilgrimage offers a unique combination of spiritual, historical, and natural experiences. Each temple has its distinct architectural style and a captivating story linked to the Mahabharata. The journey through the Panch Kedar circuit provides breathtaking landscapes and a deep spiritual connection, attracting pilgrims and travelers seeking both adventure and religious fulfillment.