Rudranath Temple
रुद्रनाथ मंदिर
- Deity
- Shiva
- Location
- Rudranath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Coordinates
- 30.52° N, 79.32° E
- Open
- May to Oct
Significance
Rudranath is the fourth temple of the Panch Kedar circuit. Here the face of Shiva is worshipped, in a natural rock temple set among dwarf rhododendron and alpine meadows at about 3,600 metres.
History and legend
The temple is believed to have been established by the Pandavas. In the Panch Kedar legend, Shiva, fleeing the Pandavas in the form of a bull, sank into the ground at Kedarnath, and his face appeared here.
At Nandikund, on the trekking route from Madhyamaheshwar, devotees worship old swords protruding from the rocks, said to be those of the Pandavas.
Before you go
- This is a demanding multi-day trek; go with a local guide, and carry food and warm gear.
- Weather changes fast at this height; start each day’s walk early.
- The temple is closed in winter, when worship moves to Gopeshwar.
Photos
Visiting
- Open
- May. Closes October. In winter a symbolic image of Shiva is worshipped at the Gopinath Mandir in Gopeshwar.
- Best time to visit
- May to June, and September to October
- Darshan timings
- Check with the temple before you travel.
- Festivals
- Annual fair on Shravan Purnima, the day of Raksha Bandhan (July or August)
Where to stay
Pilgrims usually stay in Gopeshwar. Sagar village, where the trek begins, has a few simple places to stay. Shelter along the trek is very basic, so go with a local guide who can arrange it.
Nearby temples
Sources
Found something out of date? Report a correction