Tungnath Temple

4.8

Location: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand 246419, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: 2 to 3 hours approximately.

The world’s tallest Shiva temple and Uttarakhand’s highest Panch Kedar temple, Tungnath Temple, is serenely ornamented atop Chandranath Parvat. In the Panch Kedar hierarchy, it is ranked third (Tritiya Kedar). With its 3,680-meter-above-sea-level location, Tungnath is thought to be older than a millennium.

Attraction

Regarded as a temple over ten thousand years old, Tungnath Temple is ranked third among the Panch Kedars Temples in Uttarakhand. A meadow envelops the temple, offering a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, including Chukhamba, Trishul Parvat, Panchchuli Peak, Nanda Devi, and others. This place is also attractive to visitors for different trekking, bird watching, and natural views.

History

Tungnath Temple’s legendary origins are linked to the epic Mahabharata. The Pandavas were informed by Vyas Rishi that they had killed their siblings during the conflict and that Lord Shiva’s mercy would be the only way to atone for their transgressions. Pandavas started looking for Lord Shiva in the Himalayas, but since they were guilty, Lord Shiva continued to ignore them. Lord Shiva took sanctuary underground while posing as a bull to flee the Pandavas. The locations of the bull’s parts are well-known Shiva temples today. The alleged sighting of his hands (bahu) was at the Tungnath Temple.

Inside/Outside Views

Upon arrival at Tungnath Temple, visitors are greeted by a serene atmosphere that features chanting, soft lighting, and the intricately carved figure of Lord Shiva. Upon arrival at Tungnath Temple, visitors are welcomed by a serene atmosphere that features chanting, soft lighting, and the intricately carved figure of Lord Shiva. The temple’s exterior is surrounded by the magnificent Himalayan mountains, providing sweeping views of verdant valleys and snow-capped summits. The beautiful natural surroundings and skillfully blended spiritual architecture envelop pilgrims as they perform rituals and invite them to explore the region’s hallowed and picturesque vistas.

Opening Hours

Morning Arti : 06:00 AM

Morning Darshan Time : 07:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Evening Arti : 06:30 PM

Evening Darshan Time : 03:00 PM–07:00 PM

Tungnath Temple remains : closed from 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM.

Entry & Others Fees

There is no fee.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Tungnath, almost 232 kilometers away. From Dehradun, you can take a bus to Rudraprayagor Ukhimath. You must arrange transportation to Chopta from these two locations, typically by hailing a cab.

By Road: Some buses go from Dehradun to Rishikesh. However, they only go as far as Rudrapryag or Ukhimath. It is therefore recommended that you take a taxi to Chopta, from whence it is a 3.5-kilometer hike to Tungnath. If you want to travel by car, National Highway 58 will take you from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag. From there, you can use National Highway 109. After that, you’ll have to turn right to go to Ukhimath. On the same road, Chopta would arrive before Ukhimath.

By Rail: Tungnath does not have a railway station. The closest train station is in Rishikesh, approximately 210 km from the intended destination. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath. Then, you can grab a taxi or car to reach Chopta.

Tips for Travellers

Carry woolens if you need to be ready for chilly nights when traveling.
In case of unexpected rain, keep an additional pair of socks, waterproof shoes, and raincoats with you.
Because the walk is deep in the meadows, electronic device network connectivity may need to be fixed or present.