Nestled amidst the serene Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Panch Kedar represents a group of five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva – Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. These shrines are not only architectural marvels but also hold immense spiritual significance, each representing a different manifestation of Lord Shiva. For devotees and trekkers alike, opting for a well-planned Panch Kedar package ensures a seamless journey through these sacred sites, combining spirituality with the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
According to legend, after the great war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to atone for the sin of killing their kin. Lord Shiva, however, chose to avoid them and disguised himself as a bull. When the Pandavas pursued him, the bull vanished into the ground and reappeared in five different places in the Himalayas. Each of these places became a sacred site, symbolizing a part of Shiva’s body. Collectively, these are worshipped as the Panch Kedar temple
Kedarnath is the most revered among the Panch Kedar and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters, near the Mandakini River, the temple enshrines the hump of the divine bull (Nandi). Its origin is traced back to the Pandavas, who are believed to have built the temple to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Mahabharata war. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks, Kedarnath is not only a spiritual center but also a place of immense natural beauty.
Perched at an altitude of 3,680 meters, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It represents the arms of Lord Shiva. The temple is over a thousand years old and is said to have been discovered by the Pandavas. Apart from its spiritual importance, Tungnath is famous for its short but steep trek through lush meadows, rhododendron forests, and breathtaking Himalayan views, leading up to the summit of Chandrashila Peak nearby.
Located deep in the alpine meadows and dense forests, Rudranath is the temple where Lord Shiva’s face is worshipped. Unlike the stone structures of other Kedars, Rudranath is a natural rock temple situated at 3,600 meters. Surrounded by sacred water tanks (kunds) such as Surya-kund, Chandra-kund, and Mana-kund, the temple holds an aura of mysticism. Pilgrims often describe Rudranath as a place where nature itself seems to resonate with the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
At an elevation of 3,289 meters, the temple of Madhyamaheshwar is dedicated to the navel (stomach) of Lord Shiva. The temple lies in a remote valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green pastures. The route to Madhyamaheshwar is a trekker’s delight, passing through remote villages and picturesque landscapes. The aura of peace and solitude makes it an ideal place for meditation and deep spiritual reflection.
Kalpeshwar is the only temple among the Panch Kedar that remains open throughout the year. Situated at 2,200 meters, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s matted hair (jata). The temple is uniquely located inside a natural cave, giving it a mystical and secluded charm. It is the easiest to access among the Panch Kedar, yet its ambiance leaves a lasting spiritual impact on devotees.
| Designation | Nights | Hotel Name |
|---|---|---|
| Haridwar | 1 | Haridwar Hotel |
| Yamunotri | 2 | Yamunotri Hotel |
| Gangotri (Uttarakashi) | 2 | Hotel Aashiyana Barkot |
| Guptkashi | 1 | Shri Tritham Residency Phata |
| Kedarnath | 1 | Kedar Villa Resort / similar |
| Guptkashi | 1 | Shri Tritham Residency Phata |
| Badrinath | 1 | Hotel Mangalam Badrinath/similar |
