Introduction
Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi, attracts millions of devotees every year to its sacred valleys and temples. The most famous of all the religious sites are the Panch Kedars, five Shiva temples located in different parts of the Himalayas. These temples are not only important from a religious point of view, but they also let you experience the natural beauty and pure atmosphere of the Himalayas. If you too are looking for a spiritual journey where you can meet yourself, then Panch Kedar Yatra is a must. In this article, we will talk about the five Kedars, their history, significance and how you can be a part of an amazing Kedarnath tour.
Kedarnath
The journey to Panch Kedar starts from Kedarnath. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,584 m, and devotees have to trek 16-18 km from Gaurikund to reach here. The Kedarnath temple was re-established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as ‘Kedarnath’, his hump-shaped form. Kedarnath is not just a religious place but also a soul-soothing experience. The serene air, snow-capped mountains and the confluence of the Mandakini river give every traveller a different energy. In today’s time, the journey here has become even easier as travel companies like Manchala Musafir provide you with customized Kedarnath yatra package in which you get complete management of accommodation, food, trek assistance and darshan.
Tungnath
After Kedarnath, the next shrine of Panch Kedar is Tungnath, which is considered to be the highest Shiva temple in the world. This temple falls on the way to Chandrashila peak, and is located at an altitude of 3,680 meters. Shiva’s hand is worshipped in Tungnath temple. The trek to Tungnath is a little short, only 3.5 km, this trek is so beautiful that a new form of nature is seen at every step. The time from April to November is perfect to visit Tungnath.
Rudranath
Rudranath temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva is worshipped. This temple is situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters and to reach here one has to do a tough trekking, about 20 kilometers of trekking. But after seeing Shiva, all the fatigue of this trekking goes away. The temples of Rudranath are situated between dense forests and mountains, from where one gets peace by seeing the view of Vallari. The journey is a bit difficult, but the peace that the soul gets is much deeper than that.
Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the places where the navel (navel) form of Lord Shiva is worshipped. This temple is situated at an altitude of 3,389 meters, and to reach here the trek starts from Ransi village, which is 16- 18 km. The temple here is truly a wonderful place where nature and spirituality meet in perfect harmony. The atmosphere here seems absolutely untouched, no crowd, no noise, only you and Shiva. Including the temple in the Panch Kedar Yatra can give you an authentic spiritual Himalayan experience.
Kalpeshwar
The last stop of the Panch Kedar Yatra is Kalpeshwar, where the Jata (hair) form of Shiva is worshipped. This is the only Panch Kedar temple where darshan facility is available throughout the year. Kalpeshwar temple is located in Urgam Valley near Joshimath, and is a short trekking or road trip to reach here. The temple of Shani and Gupt caves here create a different aura. Many people come here for meditation and penance.
How to plan Panch Kedar Yatra
In today’s time you don’t need to plan every place individually. Manchala Musafir reliable travel companies offer Kedarnath Yatra Package and Panch Kedar Tour Package, which includes your complete travel schedule, hotels, guides, food and transport. You can get these packages from Haridwar, Rishikesh, then Dehradun and some even start from Delhi. If you want to see more temples in a limited time, then Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter is also a good option.
Best Time to visit Panch Kedar
The best time to visit Panch Kedar is from May to October. Monsoon (July-August) is prone to landslides, so avoid travelling during this time. Except Kalpeshwar, most temples are closed in winter (November to March) due to heavy snowfall.
Conclusion
Panch Kedar Yatra is not just a religious journey, it is a journey of difficult discovery. This journey takes you to the lap of the Himalayas where there is a unique confluence of nature and divinity. Every temple has a different story, a different form, and a different experience. If you are planning a memorable Kedarnath Yatra, then this time do not limit yourself to just one temple, experience the entire Panch Kedar Yatra. Just pick up your backpack and set out on this divine journey.
