Uttarakhand Garhwal’s Panch Kedar Temples: Unfolding Various Incarnations of Lord Shiva

Tale of Panch Kedar

Pandavas seek Lord Shiva's forgiveness after Kurukshetra war, but Shivji, avoiding them, takes form of a bull & disappears into Himalayas, reappearing in five parts- Panch Kedar.

Kedarnath (3,583 m)

Most famous of the five. Here, the hump of the bull appeared. Surrounded by snowy peaks & reachable via a long trek, Bhairavnath Temple & Mandakini River views are key attractions.

Tungnath (3,680 m)

The Highest Shiva temple in the world, where Shiva’s arms appeared. A short trek from Chopta takes you here. Then, trek ahead to Chandrashila Peak for panoramic Himalayan views.

Rudranath (3,600 m)

Here, the face of Lord Shiva emerged, It’s a tough trek, but spiritual peace is unmatched. Don’t miss the kunds like Surya-kund, Chandra-kund.

Madhyamaheshwar (3,289 m)

The navel of the Lord is worshipped here. Lush valleys, waterfalls, & the majestic Chaukhamba peaks make the trek surreal. Sunrise views here are soul-touching.

Kalpeshwar (2,200 m)

The only Panch Kedar accessible year-round. This is where Shiva’s jata (hair) is worshipped. The temple is hidden in a cave, easy trek, perfect for a peaceful spiritual experience.