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Panch Kedar refers to the five sacred Shiva temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. According to legend, these temples were established by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata to atone for the sin of killing their kin during the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva, displeased with the Pandavas, transformed into a bull and tried to avoid them. Parts of his body emerged at different locations, forming the Panch Kedar. These temples symbolize devotion, penance, and the eternal presence of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas.
Set against snow-capped peaks, Kedarnath Temple, at 3,584 meters in Uttarakhand, is a major pilgrimage site with a conical Shiva lingam. The 19-km trek from Gaurikund takes 6-7 hours. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he is worshiped as the “Lord of Kedar Khand.” The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.
Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple at 3,680 meters, is located in Rudraprayag. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva’s arms appeared. The temple is surrounded by beautiful meadows and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.
Nestled at an altitude of 2,286 meters, Rudranath Temple is unique as Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of his face. The temple is accessible through a picturesque trek, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.
Located at an altitude of 3,497 meters, Madhyamaheshwar Temple is where Lord Shiva’s navel is worshiped. The temple is set amidst lush green meadows and offers a tranquil environment for devotees and trekkers alike.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.
The lowest of the Panch Kedar at an altitude of 2,200 meters, Kalpeshwar is the only temple open throughout the year. Here, Lord Shiva is worshiped in his matted hair form (Jata). The temple is surrounded by dense forests and is accessible via a short trek.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.
These temples are not only important pilgrimage sites but also offer a spiritual journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Himalayas. The best time to visit is from May to June and September to October when the weather is favorable for trekking and the temples are accessible.
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