Panch Kedar

Uttarakhand Tourism / Panch Kedar

Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, often called the “Land of the Gods,” has been a revered destination for worship and pilgrimage since ancient times. Lord Shiva holds a special place as the most venerated deity in the region, with numerous temples and shrines dedicated to him. Many local deities in Uttarakhand are also closely associated with Lord Shiva in various forms.

Browse through the List of Panch Kedar Temples in Uttarakhand

Panch Kedar Dham Legend

Among the numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Panch Kedar—a group of five sacred shrines—holds exceptional reverence. According to the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva, he transformed into a bull to evade them. As Bheema attempted to capture him, the bull vanished, only to reappear in fragmented forms at five different locations, now known as the Panch Kedar.

The body parts of Lord Shiva in his bull form appeared at five different locations: the hump at Kedarnath, the arms at Tungnath, the navel at Madhyamaheshwar, the face at Rudranath, and the hair and head at Kalpeshwar. In honor of these manifestations, the Pandavas constructed temples at each site to worship Lord Shiva.

Devotees of Lord Shiva often embark on the Panch Kedar Yatra, visiting these five sacred temples. Kedarnath Temple, which is also part of the Chota Char Dham circuit, holds special significance. Additionally, the Panch Kedar trek attracts many young adventurers who enjoy the challenge of trekking to these holy shrines nestled in the mountains.

Location of Panch Kedar Temples

 

Rudranath

Rudranath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s face, is surrounded by dense forests and majestic mountains, offering a serene ambiance.

Kalpeshwar

Kalpeshwar Temple, the fifth Panch Kedar, is renowned for its natural beauty and the sacred cave housing Lord Shiva’s hair locks.

Madmaheshwar

Madmaheshwar Temple, set amidst lush meadows, is where Lord Shiva’s navel is worshipped, offering a tranquil and spiritual experience.

Tungnath

Tungnath Temple, the world’s highest Shiva temple, features Lord Shiva’s arms and attracts trekkers with its breathtaking views and serene vibes.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple, housing Lord Shiva’s hump, stands near the Mandakini River, surrounded by towering peaks, symbolizing ultimate devotion and spirituality.

Location of Char Dham Temples

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