Location
Tungnath temple is located in the district of Rudraprayag, in the state Uttarakhand, India. It is an excellent surprise of nature at an altitude of 12073 ft. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, the Arm of Lord is worshiped.
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| Tungnath Temple |
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| Rhododendron Flowers through out the trek |
This is the only shrine in the world at such an altitude and approximately more than 1000 yr old.
According to Hindu mythology, Himalaya is the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parwati is the daughter of Himalaya. Probably this is the reason that most important temples of Lord shiva are situated in Himalaya.
Tungnath temple is situated below the Chandrashila peak. The hill of Tungnath devides mandakini and Alaknanda, which rises from Kedarnath and Badrinath respectively. Trek to Tungnath begins from Chopta. The trek route provides enough of natural beauty of Garhwal valley. Beautiful flowers of Rhododendron delight the visitors through out the trekking. To view the Himalayan peaks Choukhambha, Nanda devi, Neelkanth, Kedarnath, Panch chuli, Bandarpanch and trishul make journey easy and live. The easy stones paved route with benches to rest at places lightens the trouble and tiredness of trekking.
It is said that Lord Rama meditated here to get rid of the sin (Brahama Hatya) achieved by killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin.
The numbers of devotees are lessor than that of Chhota chardham ie Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri. Even then the number of devotees visiting here are in thousands.
On the way to Tungnath, devotees enjoy the beauty of nature in form of flower,falls, and the aroma of fresh air.
History relates the temple to Mahabharat period. Pandavas were the victorious of Mahabharat war. They killed all their relatives, cousins, neighbours in this war in large numbers.and collected the sin of killings.
The Sage rishi Vyas suggested to beg pardon from Lord Shiva. Only, he can give you liberation from the sin.
Firstly Pandavas went to Kashi in search of Lord Shiva but in vain. They did not find Lord Shiva there. Secondly, they came to Himalaya. Lord Shiva was angry with Pandavas for such a mass killing in Mahabharat war.
Lord Shiva changed him self and turned into a Bull. But Bhim , one of Pandavas brother recognized and pursue to stop him, from being evaporated.
Lastly Lord Shiva given excuse to Pandavas, but rematerialised his body and placed them at five locations in Himalaya, known as PANCHKEDAR. One of them is Tungnath where the Bahu (hands) of Lord Shiva is worshipped.
It will not be a diversion to the subject, to name the places which are included in Panchkedar.
1. Tungnath (12073 ft) – Hand of Lord Shiva.
2. Kedarnath (11755 ft) – Hump
3. Rudranath (7500 ft) – Head
4. Madhya Maheshwar (7200 ft) – Stomach
5. Kalpeshwar (7200 ft) – Hair (jata)
All the five temples are built by Pandavas in the honor of Lord Shiva.
Chopta
Chopta is situated at an altitude of 2900 mts on Gopeshwar – Ukhimath road and about 4 km from Tungnath temple. This is the main place from where trekking to Tungnath starts.
Deoria Lake
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| Deoria Lake |
The lake is situated at a height of 2387 mts on Ukhimath – Chopta road. The lake is surrounded by snow covered hill of Choukhambha range of Himalaya. It is a beautiful lake and worth visit for trekers and who loves camping.
Dear Sanctury
Kanchula Korak musk dear sanctuary is a dense forest situated at a distance of 7 km from Chopta. The covering area of the sanctuary is about 6 sq km.
Chandrashila Peak
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| Gangadham Temple at Chandrashila Peak |
It is a 2 km trek from Tungnath. According to hindu belief Lord Rama meditated here to get rid of the sin of Brahama Hatya after killing Ravana, Its beauty is beyond explanation. Snow covered peaks of Himalaya Choukhambha, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, can be viwed from here.
Guptakashi
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| Ardhanarishwar Temple |
Guptakashi is a village at an altitude of 1319 mts in the district Rudraprayag. Guptakashi, which litrally means hidden place. Pandavas resided here during their exile period.
There is a temple in the village in which the idol of Lord Shiva in form of Ardhanarishwar is installed. Guptakashi is supposed to be second pious place after Kashi Vishwanath.
How To Reach
Rishikesh is the starting point for Tungnath. Hire a taxi and reach Chopta by NH – 58 via Deoprayag – shrinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag. From Chopta is a 4 km trek to Tungnath Temple.
The nearest air port is Dehradoon. Flights from Delhi to Dehradoon are available.
Nearest Railway station is Rishikesh. From Rishikesh road is the only option.
There are few good hotels within 10 - 12 km radius to stay comfortably.
Maya deep herbal resorts, Duggal Bittha – 3.5 km
GMVN Tourist guest house, Ukhimath – 7.5 km
Devbhoomi Hotel – Main market bus stand, Ukhimath – 11.5 km
Hotel Raj Palace, Guptakashi – 11 km
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfYAA__iUzc
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