The Panch Kedar refers to five sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. These temples hold immense significance in Hindu mythology, particularly in connection with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas built these temples to atone for killing their relatives during the Kurukshetra war. The Panch Kedar temples are spread across the high-altitude region of the Himalayas, requiring a trek to reach most of them.
When Bhima recognized Shiva, he tried to hold onto the bull, but it vanished into the earth, reappearing at different places — each part representing a form of Shiva:
- Hump at Kedarnath
- Arms at Tungnath
- Face at Rudranath
- Navel at Madhyamaheshwar
- Hair at Kalpeshwar
Here’s a brief overview of the Panch Kedar, how to reach them, and the best time to visit:
1. Kedarnath Temple
Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
- Significance: The most famous of the Panch Kedar, Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and holds the highest reverence among the five. The temple is believed to be where the hump of Lord Shiva appeared when he tried to avoid the Pandavas by taking the form of a bull.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 239 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 221 km away.
- By Road: The last motorable point is Gaurikund, followed by a 16 km trek to Kedarnath.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (except during monsoons). The temple is closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.
2. Tungnath Temple
- Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
- Significance: Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is where the arms of Lord Shiva are believed to have appeared. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 232 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (209 km).
- By Road: Reach Chopta by road (which is the base for Tungnath) and then trek for about 4 km to the temple.
- Best Time to Visit: April to November. Avoid the monsoon season (July to August) due to landslides.
3. Rudranath Temple
- Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Significance: At Rudranath, the face of Lord Shiva is worshipped. The temple is located amidst dense forests and offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul. It is considered the most difficult to reach among the Panch Kedar temples.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 258 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (241 km).
- By Road: The trek to Rudranath starts from Sagar Village or Urgam Village. From Sagar, it’s a 20 km trek to the temple.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October. The temple is inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall.
4. Madhyamaheshwar (Madmaheshwar) Temple
- Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
- Significance: Madhyamaheshwar is where the navel of Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared. The temple is surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere for pilgrims.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 227 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (213 km).
- By Road: The trek starts from Uniana Village, which is a 21 km trek to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October. The temple is closed during the winter months due to snowfall.
5. Kalpeshwar Temple
- Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Significance: Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple that remains open throughout the year. It is where the hair (jata) of Lord Shiva is worshipped. Kalpeshwar is the smallest of the Panch Kedar temples but holds great spiritual significance.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 272 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (255 km).
- By Road: The trek to Kalpeshwar starts from Helang Village, followed by a 12 km trek.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but the ideal time is May to October. Winter treks can be difficult due to snow.
General Tips for Panch Kedar Yatra:
- Fitness: The Panch Kedar temples, except Kalpeshwar, involve strenuous treks, so pilgrims should be physically fit. Carry essentials like water, snacks, and trekking gear.
- Weather: The best time to visit the temples is from May to October. The monsoon season (July-August) should be avoided due to landslides and challenging weather conditions in the Himalayas.
- Permits and Guides: For some temples, especially Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar, it is advisable to hire local guides. In some areas, you might require forest permits.
- Accommodation: Basic accommodation is available in nearby villages or trekking base points like Chopta and Gaurikund. Some temples also have small guesthouses or ashrams for pilgrims.
- Health Precautions: The high-altitude regions can cause altitude sickness. Carry appropriate medications, and consult a doctor before planning your trek if you have health issues.
The Panch Kedar Yatra is not only a spiritual journey but also an adventurous trek through some of the most scenic parts of the Himalayas, offering both religious fulfillment and a connection with nature.