Golu Devata, Chitai

A landmark in Almora, located about 6km from Almora, is dedicated to the local God, Golju. Chitai Temple has the presiding deity Lord Shiva, who is referred here by the name Lord Gollu. Local folks have much faith in this hilltop temple, they often visit here with offerings.


History of Chitai Temple Almora


The history says the temple was constructed in 12th century by a general belonging to the Chand dynasty. It gained popularity over the centuries for proving helpful to anyone visitng this temple Golu Devta was deified general of Chand dynasty that once ruled Almora. 
 Chitai temple with it's unique collection of brass bells of all sizes, gifted to the temple by devotees since centuries.

The temple is characterized by the large number of bells hanging in the premises. These bells are hung by the devotees as offerings making a wish or in thanksgiving on the fulfillment of one’s wish. This is an important religious attraction on tourist map. It is the most sacred temple for the people of Almora and the neighboring villages. The walls of the temple are covered with court stamp papers by those who did not get justice in the court. Around the temple are hanging thousands of bells, which have been donated by those people whose wishes have, been fulfilled. 
One such ritual is that devotees make petitions at the temple, using stamp papers, to seek desired decree in litigations. On accomplishment of their wish, the deity is shown gratitude by hanging bells or making animal sacrifice. Sacrifices of goats are offered to the deity which was, at one time, a sort-of law court, that decided several pleas received from the distressed people of the region.

Address : 

Shri Chitai Golu Mandir

Post Office - Chitai

District - Almora

Pin code - 263601

Uttarakhand, India

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Jageshwar

Jageshwar is located at an altitude of 1870 meters. Jageshwar is the 8th Jyotirling among the Twelve and has great religious value.

Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Almora District, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located 36 km northeast of Almora, in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand.

The temple city of Jageshwar comprises a cluster of 124 large and small stone temples, dating 9th to 13th century AD, with many preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which include Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi-ka-Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple,Mritunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi or Nau Durga, Nava-grah Temple, a Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple amongst which the oldest shrine is the 'Mrityunjaya Temple' and the biggest shrine is the 'Dandeshwar Temple'. Once the centre of Lakulish Shaivism, in the Jataganga river valley near a Deodar forest (Cedrus deodara) starting from Artola village on Almora–Pithoragarh highway, where two streams Nandini and Surabhi flow down the hills in the narrow valley and meet near the sacred spot.

The townfolk believe that Jageshwar is the place of Nagesh among the forest of Deodar, 8th among the Dwadasa Jyotirlingas: the twelve resplendent lingas of Lord Shiva established by Lord Vishnu.

The ' Jageshwar Monsoon Festival ', held between 15 July to 15 August takes place at Jageshwar during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan, and the annual 'Maha Shivratri Mela'(Shivratri festival), which takes place during spring has an important place in the calendar of the entire Kumaon region.

• History of Jageshwar

The ancient treatise Prasadmandanam describe Jageshwar as an Abode of Lord Shiva.

There is no definite dating of the construction of Jageshwar group of temples but according to the ASI, they belong to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval eras and are estimated to be about2500 years old. These temples range in the period from the 8th century (early Katyuri Dynasty to the 18th century (Chand Dynasty). The temples were renovated during the reign of Katyuri King Shalivahandev. There is an inscription of Malla Kings on the main temple premises indicating their devotion to Jageshwar. The Katyuri Kings also donated villages to the temple priests for it’s maintenance. The Chand Kings of Kumaon were also patrons of the Jageshwar temple.

• Jageshwar Dham in the year 1890 

It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya visited Jageshwar and renovated and re-established many temples before leaving for Kedarnath. The Samsan ghat of Jageshwar is also the cremation ground of the erstwhile Chand Kings. It is possible that sati, the act of self-immolation, may have been performed here. The temples architecture belong to the Nagara style, characterized by a tall curved spire surmounted by an amalaka (capstone) and a kalasha crown. Most of the temples enshrine a stone lingam, surrounded by stone scultptures of various deities. The pilgrimage to Jageshwar was considered as sacred as the famous chardham yatra.

Before the construction of roads, pilgrims passed through Jageshwar en route to Kailash and Mansarovar. Due to the restrictions on pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar in the past, pilgrims were diverted towards Kedarnath; however, this center has re-attained its past glory.

• Inscriptions in Jageshwar Dham

Over 25 inscriptions of different periods are inscribed on the walls and pillars of the Jageshwar temples. Most of these belong to the period between the 7th century AD to 10th century AD. The dialect of inscriptions is Sanskrit and Brahmi. These are studied by D.C. Sarkar in Epigraphica indica.

• Legend of Jageshwar

The main temple in the temple complex at 'Jageshwar Mahadev' is dedicated to ‘Bal Jageshwar’, or the Child Shiva. There is also a temple dedicated to Vridh Jageshwar, or Old Shiva, situated on the higher slopes. According to tradition, Lord Shiva came to meditate here, and when the women of the village came to know of this, they immediately left their household chores to have his darshan. When the men of the village heard of this, they were infuriated and came to see who is this sadhu who has captivated their woman. Seeing the commotion, Shiva took the form of a child, which is why he is still worshipped in his child form here

TEMPLES IN JAGESHWAR

• Jageshwar Mahadev 

Tarun Jageshwar is one of the principal temples situated in the temple premises. The temple has two dwarapalas (door guardians) in the form of the armed Nandi and Skandi. This is a west facing temple of Lord Shiva. Here, Shiva is worshipped in the form of Nagesh/Jageshwar. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, the Shivlinga is divided into two parts. The larger one depicts Shiva and smaller one his consort Parvati. An Akhand Jyoti, (an immortal flame) burns in the temple. There are two Asthadhatu statues of Chand Kings Deepchand and Tripalchand in the standing posture behind the Shivlinga.

• Sri Maha Mritunjaya Mahadev 

The Maha Mrityunjay temple is the largest and oldest temple in the Jageshwar temple complex. This temple of Shiva is eastern facing and the Linga is worshipped as the saviour from death. The unique linga has an eye shaped opening. Pilgrims believe that reciting the Maha mritunjaya Mantra is a fruitful, auspicious and powerful method of self realisation, removal of evil effects, and freedom from all kinds of fears, illness and negativity. The Maha mritunjaya Mantra is attested in the Sukla Yajurveda Samhita.

• Dandeshwar Shiv Temple Complex

Situated slightly upstream from the Jageshwar temple complex, the Dandeshwar temple complex is in a dilapidated condition. The stone lingam is a natural rock, and, unlike the lingams of the Jageshwar complex, is not carved.

• Vinayak Kshetra 

This place is 200 mts from Artola village from where temples of Jageshwar starts. It is called Mokshyadham temple. From this place Vinayak Kshetra or sacred area begins. This place lies between Jhanker Saim temple, Vrudhh jageshwar and Koteshwar temples.

• Jhanker Saim Mahadev 

This temple is situated south of Jageshwar. Legend has it that during the Tapasya by Lord Shiva, Demons obstruct His penance. Then God Jhanker Saim come into being as Trinetra and send His Ganas to kill the demons.

• Sri Briddha or Bud Jageshwar 

This temple is situated three km north to Jageshwar.This temple is situated at the top of the hill and comes after a uphill trek. It is contemporary to Jageshwar group of temples. Pushti Devi or Pushti Bhagawati Maa It is the temple of Goddess Devi. The temple enshrines the full murti of Goddesses. This temple is situated in the Jageshwar main premises.

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Badrinath

Website : www.badarikedar.org/

Badrinath is one of the holy towns of the Hindus located at Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India. It is the most important of all the four dhams in India. The town of Badrinath lies between Nar and Naryana mountain ranges and in the shadow of Nilkantha peak, 301 km north of Rishikesh. The town is located at an elevation of 3,133mts above sea level on the left bank of Alakananda River.

The main attraction of Badrinath is the Badrinath temple also known as the Badrinarayan temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy shrines of Vaishnavities. The present temple is conical in shape built two centuries ago by the Garhwal kings. 15 idols are present in the temple complex, each built in black stone. Lord Vishnu is represented here in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nar and Narayan. According to legend, the temple was originally established by Adi Shankaracharya which was renovated several times after its establishment. Badrinath is also one of the Panch Badris. The other four badris are Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Bridha Badri or the 'Old Badri' and Adi Badri.

Some of the other attractions of Badrinath include the Tapt Kund a natural thermal spring on the banks of the Alakananda. It is believed that the water of this kund has medicinal properties. An important pilgrimage detination of both the Hindus and the Sikhs is Hemkund Sahib located at a distance of 43kms from Badrinath. Neelkanth is another prime attraction of Badrinath which is a snow-covered peak of Badrinath. You can also visit the Panch Prayag i.e. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Vishnuprayag; from Badrinath. You can also visit the Mata Murthi temple which is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. 3km from Badrinath is Mana village inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe.

Badrinath in Char Dham Road Route Map

Char Dham Yatra Route: Haridwar - Rishikesh - Dehradun -Mussoorie - Chamba - Tehri - Dharasu - Barkot - Sayana Chatti -Hanuman Chatti - Jankichatti - Yamunotri - Uttarkashi - Harsil -Gangotri (Gaumukh) - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Augustmuni - Phata - Sitapur - Guptkashi - Gaurikund - Kedarnath - Ukhimath - Chopta -Gopeshwar - Chamoli - Pipalkoti - Joshimath (Auli) - Govindghat - Hanuman Chatti - Badrinath - Nandprayag - Karnprayag - Devprayag

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Gopinath Mandir, Chamoli

Gopinath Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Gopeshwar, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India.

Gopinath Temple is situated in Gopeshwar village now part of Gopeshwar town.

 Gopinath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Gopeshwar, in Uttaranchal. The temple stands out in its architectural proficiency; it is topped by a magnificent dome and the 30 sq ft (2.8 m²) sanctum sanctorum, which is aessible by 24 doors.

The remains of broken idols found around the temple testify the existence of several more temples in ancient times. There is a trident about 5 m high, which dates back to the 12th century, in the courtyard of the temple made of eight different metals. It boasts the inscriptions attributed to Anekmalla, the king of Nepal who reigned in the 13th century. Four short inscriptions written in Devanagri, which dates back to a later period, are yet to be deciphered, baring one.

Legend is that the trident got fixed in this spot, when Lord Shiva threw it at Lord Kama to kill him. The metal of the trident is not weathered by the elements and this is a wonder. The legend goes that the trident belonged to Shiva who threw it at Kamdeva ( The God Of Love - "Kāma" means sensual or sexual pleasure) to kill him and it got fixed in this spot. It is believed that while brute force can not move this Trident , the slightest touch by a true devotee can cause a tremor in it. The metal of the trident does not appear to have become weathered by the elements over the century.

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Hemkund Sahib

This very sacred Sikh shrine is situated on the foot of the Hemkund Lake (4,320 mtrs). It marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Guru, unified with God after prolonged meditation in his previous birth.The guru's autobiography which contains a detailed description of the place helped two devout Sikhs, Sant Sohan Singh and Havaldar Mohan Singh to rediscover it. According to Hindu mythology, Hemkund or Lokpal as it is also known, is where Lakshman had done his penance. Hemkund is a 15 km trek from Govindghat, which is the gateway to the Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga Valley. 


Govindghat is on the bus route to Badrinath. The trek from here to Hemkunt takes one through forests of pine and rhododendron where wild roses, ferns, and alpine flowers bloom. The surging waters of the Lakshman Ganga are also visible. The last 5 km of the trek entails a steep climb from Ghangharia, which is a base for visiting Hemkunt. Hemkunt Lake is about 2 km in circumference. Its clear, still waters mirror images of Saptashringa Peaks (5,500 mtrs) which surround it. Bits of ice still float on the waters between July and October, the best season to visit Hemkund, The rock-strewn shores of the lake are covered with moss and flowers in bloom.

Places To Visit 


Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib


This imposing star-shaped structure of stone and concrete masonry is on the shores of the lake. An outlet behind the Gurudwara is the source of the Lakshman Ganga.


Temple of Lord Lakshman


A small temple nearby, dedicated to Lord Lakshman.


General facts


Altitude:4,320 mtrs. Above sea level
Season:July-October
Clothing:Woolens
Language:, Hindi, Kumaoni, Garhwali
Local Transport: Dandies / Ponies


Excursion


Ghangharia
5 km. Situated in the midst of a pine grove, Ghangharia serves as a base for visiting Hemkunt Sahib, It is the last human habitation in the valley. A Tourist Lodge, log huts, tents and a Gurudwara provide comfortable accommodation.


Govindghat
15 km. the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhyundar of Lakshman Ganga. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Govind Singh.


Badrinath
22 km from Govindghat


Festivals


Guru Nanak's birthday, Guru Govind Singh's Jayanti are celebrated here.


Accommodation


The Govindghat Gurudwara at Ghangharia provides facilities.


State Govt Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Rest House, Joshimath.
Tourist Rest House, Ghangharia.
Local eateries/dhabas


Shopping, Banks, Hospitals, Post & Telegraph, Tourist Information Offices


All Available at nearest town, Joshimath.


Accessibility


Rail


Nearest railhead : Haridwar/Rishikesh. See Rishikesh for rail connections.


Road


Hemkund, off Badrinath is 514 km away from Delhi, the last 15 km of which is a trekking route. DTC and UP roadways buses ply regularly upto Haridwar/Rishikesh from ISBT, Delhi. Govindghat is 20 km beyond Joshimath on the motor road to Badrinath and 4 km before Pandukeshwar, the point at which there is a diversion for Lokpal Hemkunt and the Valley of Flowers. 


Hemkunt is 20 km from Govindghat. After crossing the Vishnuganga, one has to trek 9 km to reach the Bhyundar valley. At Ghangharia, the Pushpavati River meets the Lakshman Ganga coming from Hemkunt. The 7 km trek from Ghangharia to Hemkunt entails a steep climb. From Rishikesh, buses are also available for Badrinath via Govind Ghat although tourist taxies are more convenient and quicker. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam organizes conducted tours from offices at Chandralok Building, Janpath and Muni-ki Reti, Rishikesh during Yatra season.

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Jyotirmath (Joshimath)

General Information Altitude : 2100 mts. Season : Round the year. Language  :Garhwali, Hindi and English. Clothing : Summer - Cotton & Woolens. Winter  -   Heavy woolens.

Adi Guru Sankaracharya, who came all the way from Kerala in the 8th century A.D., performed penance under a tree and after attaining enlightenment, established a Math, (religious center), known as 'Jyotirmath'. The name Joshimath is derived from it. Temples of Narsingh Dev and Nav Durga is located here. Of special scenic interest are orchards of apple, apricots, lemons and maltas spread all over. Badrinath is just 44 km. from here. Joshimath is also Gatway of Badrinath. 

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant 325 km.

Accessibility
Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant 325 km. Rail : Nearest Railhead is Rishikesh 309 kms. Road : Well connected by motor able roads to the major towns of Garhwal and Kumaon region, situated on rishikesh Badrinath motor road.

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Kalpeshwar

Distance from Kalpeshwar: 475 kms + 11 km (trek)
Best season: Throughout the year

Kalpeshwar is the last temple in the list of Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. It is the only temple of the sacred Panch Kedar that remains opened throughout the year. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of matted hair at Kalpeshwar. The trail goes through thick forest and lush green terrace fields. An old Kalpriksha tree is famous with the sages and it is also known as fulfilling tree.

Kalpeshwar is situated at an altitude of 2,134 mts above sea level near Urgam Valley in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. Kalpeshwar can be reached by an easy trek of 11 km starting from Helang. The captivating Urgam valley can be reached after a trek of 9 kms from Helang. There are two routes from Urgam Valley one ending up at Kalpeshwar and other going to Panar and Rudranath via Dumak. 

Kalpeshwar Legend

Kalpeshwar is the fifth temple in the series of holy Panch Kedar. After killing their cousins at the war, Pandavas started their journey to visit Lord Shiva to wash their sins. Lord Shiva wanted to avoid them as he was deeply incensed by the death and dishonesty at the Kurukshetra war. Therefore, he disguised in the form of a bull (Nandi) and disappeared into the ground with different parts of the body appearing at various places. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of matted hair at Kalpeshwar.

How to reach Kalpeshwar?

Kalpeshwar can be reached by 11 kms trek from Helang. The trek to Kalpeshwar is graded easy. Helang is situated at an elevation of 1,295 mts above sea level. Follow the route to Urgam Valley and 2 km trek from Urgam valley will bring you to the holy shrine of Lord Shiva, Kalpeshwar. 

Road Route from Delhi:

Delhi – Meerut – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag  - Srinagar –Rudraprayag – Helang – Trekking (11 kms) – Kalpeshwar

Accommodation in Kalpeshwar?

Home stay accommodation options are available at Kalpeshwar. You can also stay at the temple dharamshala. Accommodation options are available at Helang.

Nearby Tourist Places

While traveling to Kalpeshwar you can explore the Urgam valley. If you re willing to explore more, then you can travel to Rudranath by following the second route from Urgam Valley. A further visit to Joshimath and Auli is preferred. Both Auli and Joshimath are well connected by motorable roads.

Kalpeshwar India travel guide with latest information of Kalpeshwar trekking Tourism. Kalpeshwar temple of Lord Shiva is part of the famous Panch Kedar. Best deals in Kalpeshwar trek tours travel packages, Plan your Kalpeshwar trekking trip with eUttaranchal in Uttarakhand India.

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Karanprayag or Karnaprayag

Karanprayag or Karnprayag or Karnaprayag (Devanagari: कर्ण प्रयाग) is a city and municipal board in Chamoli District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Karanprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River, situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda, and Pindar River.

Demographics

As of the 2001 India census, Karanprayag had a population of 6976. Males constitute 56% of the population and females make up 44%. Karanprayag has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 69%. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Geography

Karanprayag is located at 30.27°N 79.25°E(See in map : Click Here). It has an average elevation of 1,451 metres (4,760 feet). The confluence of the Pindari River, which arises from the icy Pindari glacier and the Alaknanda, occurs at Karanprayag. Nanda Devi, towering above at 7,816 m (25,634 ft.), and surrounded by an array of glittering peaks, Trisul, Drona Giri, Narad Ghunti, Mrigathuni and Maiktoli.

Overview

Karan Prayag is one of five sites where the confluence of rivers occurs. The five prayags are Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karanprayag,Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Allahabad where the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati join, is known as Prayag, and is one of the holy places of Hindu pilgrimage. Karanprayag is believed by many to be the place where Karna of the Mahabharata, was to have worshipped the Sun God. It is the ancient temple, devoted to Uma and Karna.

It is on the way to Badrinath, on the confluence of two holy rivers Alaknanda and Pindar. It is said that Karna of Mahabharata meditated here for many years to acquire the impregnable shield, which made him a formidable warrior in the battlefield. Swami Vivekananda meditated here for eighteen days with his Guru Bhai, Guru Turianand ji and Akharanand ji. It is the sub-divisional head-quarter of district Chamoli. Roads from here go to Almora, Nainital and Jim Corbett National Park.

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Nandaprayag

Nandaprayag (also spelt Nandprayag and Nand Prayag) is a town and a nagar panchayatin Chamoli district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nandaprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River, and lies at the confluence of Alaknanda Riverand Nandakini River.


नन्दप्रयाग, चमोली तहसील में भारत के उत्तराखण्ड राज्य के अन्तर्गत गढ़वाल मण्डल के चमोली जिले का एक गाँव है।

Geography

Nandaprayag is located at 30.33°N 79.33°E(See in map : Click here).It has an average elevation of 1,358 metres (4,455 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Nand Prayag had a population of 1433. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. Nand Prayag has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 61%. In Nand Prayag, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Bangali village near Nandprayag

The Nandakini River (foreground) meets theAlaknanda River(background) in Nandprayag, in the Garhwal Himalayas,Uttarakhand, India.

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Rudranath, Chamoli

Go to Hindi Description : Click Here 

Rudranath (Sanskrit: रुद्रनाथ) is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva, located in theGarhwal Himalayan mountains in Uttarakhand, India. Located at 2,286 metres (7,500 ft) above sea level, this natural rock temple is situated within a dense forest ofrhododendron dwarfs and Alpine pastures. The temple is the third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit include: Kedarnath and Tungnath to be visited before Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Rudranath. The face (mukha) of god Shiva is worshipped as "Nilkanth Mahadeva" here.

Coordinates:	30°32′0″N 79°20′0″E

  

Legends and worship

The Rudranath temple is believed to be established by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas came to the Himalayan mountains in search of god Shiva, to redeem them of the sins of killing in the epicKurukshetra war.

 God Shiva did not wanted to meet them and escaped in form of a bull in the ground and reentered in parts in the Panch Kedar places: the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tunganath, the navel and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheswar, the face showing up at Rudranath and the hair and the head appearing in Kalpeshwar. In winter, a symbolic image of Shiva is brought toGopeshwar for worship. The Doli Yatra starts from Gopeshwar via Sagar. The Doli Yatris cross Lyuti Bugyal and Panar and finally reach Pitradhar. The worship of ancestors is done here. Then, after crossing Dhalabni Maidan, the Doli or the symbolic image of Shiva, reaches Rudranath.Here first the Vandevi is worshipped. The local belief is that Vandevi protects the area. The Kheshtra is protected by Vandevi or Vandevatas. The temple celebrates an annual fair on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Sravan(July–August) that is mostly on the day of Rakshabandhan. The fair is attended mainly by locals. The priests at the Rudranath temple are Bhatts and Tiwaris of Gopeshwar village.

At Nandikund (2,439 m/8,002 ft), on the trekking route to Rudranath (if coming via Madhmaheshwar), devotees worship old historic swords protruding from the rocks, believed to be of Pandavas.

Geography

There are numerous sacred water tanks ("Kund") near the temple. These include Surya-kund, Chandra-kund, Tara-kund, Mana-Kund etc. Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are the famous mountain peaks, which provide the backdrop to the temple. The holy river Vaitarani or Baitarani or Rudraganga flows near the temple, which has a grey stone idol of Rudranath. The river is identified with the "river of salvation", where souls of the dead cross to reach the other world. Thus, devotees visit Rudranath to perform rituals of the dead, such as performing a pindoffering. Some believe that offering a pind to ancestors here equals offering a hundred million at the holy city of Gaya. The mountain peaks of Trisul,Nanda Devi, Devasthan, Hathi Parbat and Nanda Ghunti are visible from Rudranath. The name "Rudranath", literally means, "Him who is Angry." The mountain cave of Rudranath was modified into the temple we see today.

Access

Rudranath is sometimes considered as the toughest Panch Kedar temple to reach.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun(258 km/160 mi). The nearest railway station is Rishikesh(241 km/150 mi). Most trekking routes to Rudranath are fromGopeshwar or nearby places. A motorable road is present up to the village Sagar — 5 km (3 mi) from Gopeshwar, beyond which a 20 km (12 mi) trek has to be undergone to reach Rudranath. The trek winds through tall grass, oak and rhododendron forests. The trek path is stated to be slippery. Other routes include: an uphill, 17 km (11 mi) trek from Gangolgaon — 3 km (2 mi) from Gopeshwar — through the forest and Panar and Naila shepherd settlements. Another trek route from Gopeshwar to Rudranath passes via Mandal (13 km/8 mi) and then additional 6 km (4 mi) to the Anusuya Devi temple and then another 3 km (2 mi) to Rudranath. The Anusuya Devi temple is home to goddess Anusuya, who is believed to help devotees in distress. A 45 km (28 mi) trek path is available from Joshimath via Helang too (considered a strenuous trek). There's also a trekking route to Rudranath from Kalpeshwar, via Dumak,Kalgont Kimana and Palla. The route meets at Urgam village, a little ahead of which is Kalpeshwar.

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Tungnath Temple Chamoli

Situated at an elevation of about 3,680Mts.above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Enroute exotic varieties of rhododendrons, while flowers and shrub like trees can be seen in abundance. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary (74Kms.) On the Chopta Gopeshwar road, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is famous for breeding musk deer.This Sanctuary covers an area of 5 sq. Mts. and is an ideal place for tourists to view rare Himalayan wildlife. This place is also popular for its dense forests and natural aromatic flowers. Tungnath is situated in the Chamoli district of Garhwal in Uttarakhand. located at an altitude of 12,070 feet (3680 meters), is the third and highest of the Panch Kedar or five Himalayan temples consecrated to Shiva. It is believed to contain the arm as per the Panch Kedar tradition of Hinduism.


All five of the Panch Kedars are mostly accessible only on foot, and each are located at such a great height that they close in the winter, since this is when they become snowbound. The footpath to Tungnath starts at the small town of Chopta, and is a steep walk, reaching over 3000 feet in just 3.5 kilometers. You can hire a horse to ride up to the temple. On the way, you will witness exotic forms of rhododendrons, wild flowers and shrubs. Nestling among temperate forests, the origins of the Tungnath temple are immersed in myths and legends. Locals consider the temple to have been built by the Pandavas to propitiate Lord Shiva, who had been angered by the large scale bloodshed at Kurukshetra. 

Accessibility

You can take a bus or taxi from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Chamoli to reach Chopta, the base camp for the trek to Tungnath. Another possible route is via Ukhimath and Doggalbitta on the Badri-Kedar path. From Chopta, a 3.5 kilometers' trek will land you at Tungnath Temple.  Tungnath is the highest temple of Lord Shiva perched at an elevation of 3,680 mts above sea level. The sanctity of the region of  is considered unsurpassed. Tungnath is one of Panch Kedar and Shiva arm is worshipped here. The trek to highest temple of Lord Shiva commences from Chopta. You can reach Tungnath by a 4km easy but steep trek. An hour climb from Tungnath will lead you to  from where you can enjoy 360 degree panoromic views of the gigantic Himalayas. Tungnath (3810 m) - Tungnath is the place where the arm (Bahu) of Shiva appeared.. The sanctity of the region of Tungath is considered unsurpassed. The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that from the river Akashkamini. At this temple at 3,680 mts, Shiva's arm is worshipped. The highest hindu shrine in the Himalayas, 3kms uphill from Chopta, Tungath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows and rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoromic views. The entire journey and the shrine are located in some of the finest, most picturesque pocket of the Himalaya. Tungnath is the highest temple in the world and is one of the five and the highest Panch Kedar temples located in the mountain range of Tunganath in the Chamoli district of Tehri Garhwal, in Uttarakhand, India. The Tunganath (literal meaning is lord of the peaks) mountains form the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Located at an altitude of 3,680 m (12,073.5 ft), the Tungnath temple is the highest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is the second in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. It has a rich legend linked to the Pandavas, heroes of the epic Mahabharata fame. According to Hindu mythology lord Shiva and his consort Parvati both reside in the Himalayas: Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash and Parvati (Shail Putri) is considered to be the daughter of hills.  The Tunganath myth is indelibly linked to the origin of the Panch Kedar temples built by the Pandavas. The legend states that sage Vyas Rishi advised the Pandavas that since they were culpable to the slaying of their own relatives (Kauravas, their cousins) during the Mahabharata war or Kurukshetra war, their offense could be pardoned only by Lord Shiva. Consequently, the Pandavas went in search of Shiva who was avoiding them since he was convinced of the guilt of Pandavas. In order to keep away from them, Shiva took the form of a bull and went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi, where Pandavas chased him. But later Shiva’s body in the form of bull’s body parts rematerialized at five different locations that represent the “Panch Kedar” where Pandavas built temples of Lord Shiva at each location, to worship and venerate, seeking his pardon and blessings. Each one is identified with a part of his body; Tungnath is identified as the place where the bahu (hands) were seen: hump was seen at Kedarnath; head appeared at Rudranath; his navel and stomach surfaced at Madhyamaheshwar; and his jata (hair or locks) at Kalpeshwar. SEE IN MAP : CLICK HERE Legend also states that Lord Rama, the chief icon of the Ramayana epic, meditated at the Chandrashila peak, which is close to Tungnath. It is also said that Ravana, also of Ramayana fame did penance to Shiva, the lord of the peaks, when he resided here. It is an ancient temple built in the North Indian style of temple architecture. It is small in size and can barely accommodate ten people in the sanctum. Surrounding this temple, there are a number of small shrines (about a dozen) of several gods. The sanctum part of the temple abuts the hills where the sacred standing black rock (swayambu or self manifest linga) with tilt to the left, of 1 ft (0.3 m) height, denoting the form of arms of Lord Shiva is worshipped. The construction of this temple is credited to Arjuna, the third of the Pandava brothers, who also worshiped here. Just at the entrance, at the end of the trek path to the temple, there is a gateway with name Tungnath painted on the top of the arch, which is of recent construction. A signage at the gate entrance gives distance to the temple as 4 km (2.5 mi) and also states that pilgrims unable to undertake the trek could leave their donations in the box (kept next to the gate).  The architectural design of the temple is similar to the temples at Guptakashi, Madhyamaheshwar and Kedarnath. The temples inside the enclosure are made of stones with decorations painted on the outside and they depict tall towers. The highest dome has a wooden stage at the top. The dome has sixteen openings (pictured). The temple roofs are also made of stone slabs. At the entrance to the temple there is a Nandi stone image facing towards the sanctum where Shiva’s idol is deified. The Nandi’s flank is normally sanctified for worship with flowers and with three lines (tripundra) in yellow clay, with a mark denoting Shiva's third eye, which is symbolic to Shiva's devotees. At the right of the temple entrance there is the mandatory image of Ganesha. In the main sanctum, ashtadhatu (made of eight metals) idols of sage Vyas and Kala Bhairav (demi-god), disciples of Shiva, are also installed in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple also houses the images of the Pandavas and silver plaques of other four Kedar shrines. Among the smaller shrines, the central temple is of goddess Parvati, Shiva’s consort. Away to the far right there is a group of five small shrines dedicated to the Panch Kedar, which include Tungnath also as one of the Panch Kedar, in addition to the main Tunganath temple. Near the Akash Ganga water fall, close to Tungnath, a temple to Nanda Devi is located to denote that it is descending from heaven. A 2.5 ft (0.8 m) statue of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is installed next to the main deity of Shiva.

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