Tunganath Temple

Tunganath Mahadev Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, which includes five ancient temples of Lord Shiva. Tunganath Mahadev Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world, situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters above sea level.

The temple has a rich history and legend associated with it. According to Hindu mythology, after the great war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas were filled with guilt and decided to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to wash off their sins. Lord Shiva, however, was not willing to forgive them and decided to flee to the Himalayas. The Pandavas followed Lord Shiva, but he continued to elude them. Lord Shiva then took the form of a bull and dived into the earth, with only his hump remaining visible. The hump is believed to have reappeared at Tunganath, and that is where the temple was constructed.

The architecture of Tunganath Mahadev Temple is a beautiful example of the traditional North Indian style. The temple is made of stone, and it has a slanted roof made of wooden tiles. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities. The main sanctum houses the lingam, the symbol of Lord Shiva. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.

The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the priests perform regular puja and aarti during the morning and evening hours. The temple also conducts special poojas and homas on special occasions such as Mahashivratri, Navratri, and Diwali.

Tunganath Mahadev Temple is accessible by road, and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 240 km away. The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 215 km away. From here, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple. The temple is also accessible by trekking, and the trek starts from Chopta, which is about 3.5 km away.

The trek to Tunganath Mahadev Temple is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand. The trek starts from Chopta and takes about 3-4 hours to reach the temple. The trek passes through lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The trek is moderate and can be completed by people with average fitness levels.

The best time to visit Tunganath Mahadev Temple is during the summer months, from April to June, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. The temple is open from May to November, and during the winter months, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall. The winters in this region are harsh, and the temperature can drop to sub-zero levels. Hence, it is advisable to avoid visiting the temple during the winter months.

In conclusion, Tunganath Mahadev Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking spiritual solace and a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of India. The temple's stunning architecture, coupled with the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, makes it an unforgettable experience. Whether you reach the temple by road or by trekking, the journey is equally enchanting. So, plan your visit to Tunganath Mahadev Temple and immerse yourself in the divine aura of this sacred shrine.

References:

• "Tunganath Temple - The Highest Shiva Temple in the World" - The Spiritual Indian
• "Tunganath Temple" - Uttarakhand Tourism
• "Tunganath Temple Trek" - India Hikes.