Tungnath Temple is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Tungnath range of the Garhwal Himalayas, at an elevation of approximately 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) above sea level.
Tungnath peacefully adorned on the Chandranath Parvat is the highest Shiv temple in the world and the highest Panch Kedar temple of Uttarakhand.
Tungnath is considered to be more than 1,000 years old and is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, particularly devotees of Lord Shiva.
Here are some key features and information about Tungnath Temple:
- Pilgrimage: Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which includes five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other four temples in this circuit are Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar.
- Religious Significance: Tungnath Temple is considered the highest of the Panch Kedar temples and is believed to be the place where the hands of Lord Shiva appeared. It is a place of great religious and spiritual importance for Shiva devotees.
- Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. It is an important religious site for devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
- Architecture: The temple is constructed in the North Indian Nagara style of architecture and is made of stone. It is a relatively small and simple temple compared to many other Hindu temples in India.
- Scenic Beauty: Tungnath is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, with panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains. The trek to Tungnath offers stunning vistas of the mountains, and the area is covered in snow during the winter months, making it a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
- Accessibility: The temple is not accessible by road, and visitors have to undertake a trek of about 3.5 kilometers from Chopta to reach Tungnath. Chopta is the nearest place accessible by road and is well-connected to other major cities in Uttarakhand.
- Opening Hours: The temple is generally open from May to October, depending on the weather conditions. It remains closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall.
Tungnath Temple is not only a place of worship but also a destination for those seeking a unique trekking experience and a chance to be in the midst of pristine Himalayan beauty. Visitors can not only pay their respects at the temple but also enjoy the tranquility and natural splendor of the region.