Tungnath Temple: Everything You Need to Know

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Last Updated:April 9, 2024

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Located amidst the majestic peaks of the Himalayas is the highest Lord Shiva temple. Tungnath temple is a beacon of breathtaking natural beauty and spirituality.

Spiritual seekers, pilgrims, devotees, and trekkers from many parts of India and also from around the world visit this temple for an unparalleled communion with nature.

This blog post covers all the important details of Tungnath temple such as history, significance, and all the other important details of Tungnath temple. Read further to learn interesting facts about the Tungnath temple.

Tungnath: Abode of Lord Shiva

Located at a staggering height of 3680 meters above sea level, the Tungnath temple is the highest Lord Shiva temple. The word ‘Tungnath’ translates into ‘Lord of the peaks’.

This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The Tungnath temple in Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sites.

Devotees believe that the Pandavas constructed the temple after the war in Kurukshetra to appease Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple is simply captivating.

Built in a traditional style with stones, this temple draws devotees from many parts of India. Winters in the area are severe and harsh. During the winter months, the idol is relocated to a more accessible place named Mangnath located 19 kilometres away from the temple.

The true essence of Tungnath lies in the serenity that fills the atmosphere. Standing amidst the clouds, devotees feel closer to the heavens as they offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

How to Reach Tungnath

Reaching Tungnath is an experience in itself. The Tungnath trek is one of the most visited treks in India. The starting point for the trek is located in Chopta, also referred to as the mini Switzerland of India.

People from all over India visit Tungnath temple. The nearest metropolitan city is Delhi. There is no direct link between Delhi and Tungnath.

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People usually take a combination of transportation modes to reach Tungnath from Delhi. Read further to know more about the different modes of connectivity between Delhi and Tungnath.

People trek through the well-defined trail through the meadows, rhododendron forests, and scenic views of the surrounding peaks. The total length of the trek is approximately 5 kilometres and the elevation gain is 3900 feet.

The whole journey can be challenging for some devotees but the scenic beauty and the anticipation of reaching the holy abode makes the whole journey worthwhile.

Devotees visiting the temple can also opt for a horseback ride in the initial part of the trek. Older people and devotees with physical limitations prefer being carried on a palanquin by the local porters.

By Air

The airport located nearest to Tungnath temple is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is located 260 kilometres from the temple. People can take a bus or a taxi to reach Chopta from Dehradun. Chopta is the starting point of the Tungnath trek.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is the Yog Nagri Rishikesh railway station located in Rishikesh. It is located at a distance of 205 kilometres from Tungnath. It is easy to reach Chopta from Rishikesh. Visitors usually take a bus or a taxi.

By Road

There is no direct bus connectivity between Delhi and Tungnath. People usually take a bus ride from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh. It is easy to reach Chopta from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Buses and taxis operate between the two locations.

Some devotees also prefer taking a bike ride from Delhi to Chopta on their sports bikes. This option is risky. The distance between the two locations is more than 450 kilometres. It is important to opt for a comfortable vehicle.

Panoramic Landscape of Tungnath

As people reach closer to the Tungnath temple, they get a view of the majestic peak of Chandrashila. Chandrashila, meaning moon rock, is located 1.5 kilometres from the temple. The panoramic vista at the place is unparalleled.

Pilgrims and trekkers wait at this place and capture the breathtaking view with their cameras. Chandrashila has significant religious significance.

Devotees believe that Lord Shiva manifested before the Pandavas at this site. A temple dedicated to Devi Parvati further adds to the spiritual significance of this place.

Rich Tapestry of Legends

The history and legends of Tungnath make this one of the most intriguing pilgrimage sites in India. As per the local folklore in the area, the Pandavas were very worried about the bloodshed caused by them in the Kurukshetra war.

They came to the Himalayas to seek forgiveness for the bloodshed. They performed sincere penance to appease Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was initially reluctant but later on, appeared in the form of a bull to bless them.

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The tail portion is enshrined at Tungnath. The remaining parts are worshipped at Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. These five sites together make up Panch Kedar.

Devotees visiting the Tungnath temple perform special pujas such as the Rudrabhishek Puja to appease Lord Shiva. Devotees offer sacred materials such as milk, ghee, curd, sugar, and honey to appease the deity. They can also offer these materials in a mixture form, also known as Panchamrit.

Temple Opening and Closing Dates

Devotees planning to visit Tungnath temple worry about finding the accurate dates of opening and closing of this temple. Not anymore. In this section, find the correct dates of opening and closing of Tungnath temple in 2024.

Opening Date:
The temple would open on May 14th, 2024.

Closing Date:
Tungnath temple remains closed in the winter months due to heavy snowfall in the region. The exact closing date of the Tungnath temple is not confirmed yet but the temple will close sometime in November. Visit the official website of Shri Badri Kedar Samiti to know more.

Temple Timings:
Temple timings are subject to change. It is better to check with the local authorities before visiting the temple.

Opening Time: 6:00 AM
Morning Darshan: 7:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Evening Aarti: 06:30 PM
Evening Darshan: 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM

There is severe snowfall in this region in the winter months. In the winter months, devotees perform prayers at Mangnath located 19 kilometres away from the temple.

Key Points to Remember

Planning a visit to the Tungnath temple requires careful consideration. People should keep certain points in consideration before finalizing their visit to this magnificent location. Some of the most important points are listed.

Physical Fitness:
The nature of the Tungnath trek is such that it is neither too treacherous nor ordinary. It is a moderate trek. Still, people making plans to visit Tungnath should make efforts to get into good physical condition especially because of the high altitude of Tungnath trek.

Permits:
No permit is required to visit Tungnath temple. It is advisable to check with the local authorities and stay updated.

Accommodation:
Accommodation options near the Tungnath temple are limited. People visiting Tungnath need to find accommodation at Chopta.

From budget homestays to guesthouses and comfortable hotels, many options are available for people visiting Tungnath. People mostly arrive at Chopta, stay overnight, and start their Tungnath trek the next morning.

Clothing and Wearable Gear:
It is always advisable to carry breathable clothing for layering along with a warm jacket for the evenings. People should also carry essential items such as a water bottle, some basic snacks, a raincoat, hiking boots with good ankle support, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap.

These items are necessary to make sure that the trekkers are sufficiently energized on the trek and get protection from the weather.

Exploring the Region

Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, there are many captivating locations around the Tungnath temple. Some of the most important locations in the region are listed.

Chopta:
Chopta is a mesmerizing hill station located near Tungnath temple. It is an ideal location for relaxing amid the serene mountains. Meadows lush with wildflowers create a picture-perfect landscape. Chopta is the base camp for scenic treks such as the Sari village trek and the Deoria Tal trek.

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Rudraprayag:
Rudraprayag is a holy place located on the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Devotees visit the Rudranath temple located here to seek the blessings of Lord Mahadev.

Chandrashila Trek:
A small trek from Tungnath temple to Chandrashila Peak offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.

Final Glimpse

Tungnath temple is one of the most important Lord Shiva temples. In some ways, it is much more than just a Hindu temple. It is a culmination of breathtaking natural beauty, spiritual significance, and a rewarding trek.

A unique sense of peace and tranquillity engulfs the visitors. A visit to the Tungnath temple is a pilgrimage that takes the devotees closer to nature and the divine.

Although the trek is physically and mentally testing, it creates a lasting impression on the people visiting this one of the most magnificent temples of Lord Shiva. Pack up your bags, lace up your hiking shoes, and let your spirit guide you on the spiritual journey to Tungnath.

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