Shree Rudranath Temple

4.7

Location: G899+QC3, Rudra Nath, Uttarakhand 246472, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: 1-2 hours

One of the Panch Kedars, the Rudranath Temple, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the Chamoli area of Uttarakhand, India. The Rudranath temple sits at an altitude of 2290 meters and is surrounded by a sprawling natural shade. Lord Shankar’s Ekanan at the Rudranath temple denotes devotion to the face, whereas in the Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, worship is performed for the entire body. Viewed from the front of the Rudranath temple are the snow-covered peaks of Trishul and the Nanda Devi.

Attraction

The idol of Lord Shiva, sometimes known as “Neelkanth Mahadev” or the blue-throated deity, is the primary draw of the Rudranath Temple. The temple is more appealing to pilgrims and visitors because of its tranquil setting amid the Himalayas.

History

It is acknowledged that the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, established the Rudranath sanctuary. According to legend, the Pandavas searched for the god Shiva in the Himalayan Mountains to atone for their wrongdoings during the famous Kurukshetra War. God Shiva did not want to meet them, so he left in the shape of a bull and reappeared in the Panch Kedar locations: the head and hair appearing in Kalpeshwar, the navel and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheshwar, the lump rising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tungnath, and the face appearing at Rudranath.

Inside/Outside Views

One can enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan scenery outside the temple, which offers a charming vista. Typically, its architecture is classic, with elaborate stone carvings and a sloping roof covered in elaborate decorations. Ornate sculptures on the temple exterior may represent different gods and mythological characters. The temple, surrounded by thick vegetation and frequently covered in mist, has a peaceful, ethereal quality. A sanctum with colorful murals and detailed designs decorating the walls welcomes guests. The interior’s frequent low lighting creates a mysterious atmosphere that heightens the spiritual experience. The hallowed shrine, home to the revered god Lord Shiva, is in the center of the temple. In the aroma of incense and the calming chanting of priests, devotees offer prayers and carry out rites.

Opening Hours

Morning Arti 06:00 AM – 08:00 AM
Morning Darshan General Time 08:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Evening Arti 06:30 PM – 07:30 PM
Evening Darshan General Time 04:00 PM – 07:30 PM
The Rudranth Temple remains closed from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM.

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road leads to Rudranath. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 258 km away from Gopeshwar, is the closest airport. You can reach Gopeshwar by bus or taxi from the Dehradun airport.

By Train: The Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road leads to Rudranath. There are train stations in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Rishikesh is the closest railhead from Gopeshwar, approximately 241 miles away. To go to Gopeshwar, take a bus or taxi from Rishikesh.

By Road: Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road is where Rudranath is located. Sagar village is the entry point, 219 kilometers from Rishikesh. From Sagar, a 20-kilometre walk will arrive in Rudranath.

Tips for Travellers

Because of the excessive snowfall, the temple is closed from November to April.
The revered Rudranath Temple performs morning aarti at 8 am and evening aarti at 6:30 pm daily.
The Rudranath trek is difficult and dangerous but also quite rewarding. Before you begin your trip, it is a good idea to inquire with the local government, tour operators, or tour guides about the monsoon season’s weather and road conditions.
Having an expert trekking guide with you is often beneficial because they are very familiar with the path and ensure that hikers don’t become lost or trapped.