Tungnath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, and it's one of the most revered temples in the Panch Kedar (five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva). Here's a detailed overview:
🛕 About Tungnath Temple
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Deity: Lord Shiva
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Location: Tungnath, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India
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Altitude: Around 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) above sea level
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Significance: It is the highest Shiva temple in the world.
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Part of: Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which includes:
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Kedarnath
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Tungnath
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Rudranath
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Madhyamaheshwar
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Kalpeshwar
🌄 Geographical Setting
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Set in the Garhwal Himalayas, Tungnath offers breathtaking views of peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Trishul.
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It's on the route to Chandrashila Peak, which is another 1.5 km trek beyond the temple and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
🕉️ Religious Significance & Legends
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According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Shiva eluded them, taking the form of a bull. He disappeared into the earth, and his body parts reappeared in five different locations — Tungnath is where Shiva's arms are believed to have appeared.
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The temple is considered over 1,000 years old and is built in North Indian (Nagara) style.
🧭 Trek to Tungnath
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Base Village: Chopta (also called the "Mini Switzerland of India")
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Trek Distance: ~3.5 km from Chopta
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate — suitable for beginners
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Best Time to Visit: April to November
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During winter, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall, and the idol is moved to Mukunath (near Ukhimath).
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📌 Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
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| Altitude | 3,680 meters |
| Trek Starting Point | Chopta |
| Temple Closes | November (idol moved to Ukhimath) |
| Nearest Town | Ukhimath / Rudraprayag |
| Ideal Visit Time | May to October |
📸 Why Visit Tungnath?
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Experience spiritual serenity in the Himalayas.
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Witness Himalayan sunrises from Chandrashila Peak.
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Spot Himalayan wildlife like musk deer and monal.
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Combine religious pilgrimage with adventure and nature.
If you’re planning a visit or want help organizing a trek or itinerary, I can help with that too!
