Tungnath Temple

Significance

Tungnath, the lord of the peaks, is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples and among the highest Shiva temples in the world, at about 3,680 metres. It lies just below Chandrashila peak, above the valleys of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers.

History and legend

The Panch Kedar legend tells that after the Kurukshetra war the Pandavas sought Shiva to atone for killing their kin. Shiva avoided them in the form of a bull and, when caught, sank into the ground at Kedarnath. Parts of his body appeared at five places: the hump at Kedarnath, the arms at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the navel at Madhyamaheshwar, and the hair at Kalpeshwar.

Legend also holds that Rama meditated on Chandrashila, just above the temple.

Before you go

• Tungnath has the shortest trek of the Panch Kedar, making it the easiest to add to a Kedarnath or Badrinath trip.
• Many pilgrims continue up to Chandrashila peak for the view of the Himalaya.
• Snow closes the route for about six months; check the opening date before you plan.