Tungnath is the highest Hindu pilgrim temple in the world, situated at a height of above 12,000 feet in the Rudraprayag district of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Positioned atop the Chandrashila peak, Tungnath is renowned as one of the Panch Kedars and adorns some of the most picturesque landscapes of the Himalayan region.
According to a popular legend, during Lord Shiva’s struggle with the Pandava brothers, he took the form of a bull. After he was chased down, his body parts dematerialised at five different locations in the Kedarnath valley that represent the Panch Kedar where Pandavas built temples of Lord Shiva at each location, to worship and seek his pardon and blessings. It is believed that Shiva’s arms were fallen of here at Tungnath.
Made of plain granite, the Tungnath temple is believed to be 1000 years old and gives you a feeling that you are within close proximity with the Lord. Though smaller in contrast with the other temples of the region, Tungnath temple exudes a powerful and strong appearance like that of its presiding deity, Lord Shiva. The temple also houses all the structures representing a typical Shiva temple. Along with the Shivalinga, there are huge statues of Adishankara, Kalbhairav and Vyas. There is also a kund and five other smaller temples within the premises of the Tungnath temple, which represent the Panch Kedar.
As Tungnath is located in the innermost regions of the Himalayas, a holy visit to the temple demands a strenuous 5km trek from Chopta, through dense forest and rocky terrain. The unmatched beauty of the surroundings, the rhododendron groves, and the lush alpine fields, feature the splendour of the shrine furthermore. Also, the summit of Tungnath is the source of beautiful waterfalls, which gives a refreshing drive to the onlookers.
