The Tungnath temple is a popular Lord Shiva temple in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 3680 m, it is known to be the highest Shiva temple in the world.
This holy place is a part of the famous pilgrimage dedicated to Panch Kedar and has great religious importance and scenic beauty as well.
Wrapped in the sights of snow-clad mountains and green pastures, Tungnath is full of spirituality as well as the beauty of nature. Because of its mythological history, the temple is a must-visit place for devotees and adventure seekers.
The visit to Tungnath temple is not only divine but a journey through one of the breathtaking landscapes of India.
Tungnath Temple’s history, like its geography, is locked in the tales of the great epic Mahabharata. Established more than a thousand years ago, according to legend, it was built by the same Pandavas who decided to make peace with their conscience after the Kurukshetra war. As per the mythology, Lord Shiva was angry upon Pandavas, so he took the form of a bull and hid in Garhwal Region. When Bhima saw Lord Shiva, his body turned into a bull, and the bull's body split; its back came at Kedarnath. Tungnath is the place where the arms of Lord Shiva’s idol are believed to have been found.
This old shrine is an embodiment of the faith and endurance of the Pandavas. For many sages and devotees, it has also been an important place for many centuries. Incorporating myth and mystique, the temple still governs a special reverence and affection among pilgrims and other tourists. Its geographical features, complemented by natural beauty, make it both a cultural and a religious site of interest.
The design of the Tungnath Temple exemplifies the Nagara architectural style with its elaborate decorations and stone buildings. The temple is simple and built of gray stones available in the area and has an old-world charm. Even the temple being small in size, it evokes a strong sense of reverence. Inside the garbhagriha, there is a black stone idol of the principal deity, Lord Shiva, along with statues of other gods such as Parvati and the bull Nandi.
One distinct feature is a small tower called Shikhara, which is positioned over the sanctum. The entrance to the temple has artistic carving on the door, which is quite appealing. Beside the main shrine are smaller shrines dedicated to other gods, which add to the spirituality of the whole place. The temple is one with nature, and such a level of architectural development and artistry depicting the spirituality and craftsmanship of the region is outstanding.
Tungnath Temple is of great religious significance because it is one of the temples of Panch Kedar Yatra which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per Hinduism, there is a belief that one who visits Tungnath Temple does not have to bear the consequent punishment for his sins. It is believed by pilgrims that this deity is very kind and bestows peace and blessings upon the devotees. The arms of Lord Shiva's statue worshiped in this temple is a symbol of strength as well as protection.
The temple is not only a significant Shiva shrine but is also included in the Panch Kedar Dham Yatra circuit, drawing the Shaivite population from all over the globe. The presence of snow-capped mountains in the vicinity adds to the spirituality of the place, providing an ideal setting for contemplation and prayers. The place is also charged with spirituality due to the various activities carried out in it such as the sacred rites during the Mahashivaratri. Tungnath is therefore much more than a shrine: it is also a space for the nurturing of relationships with the eternal.
Tungnath Temple opens every year during summer season, mostly at the end of April or the start of May, after Akshaya Tritiya festival. The opening lasts up to the early part of November when it is locked up again for the winter season. In the winter season, the image of Lord Shiva is shifted to a village known as Makkumath where it remains active in its rites and rituals till the temple is opened again.
The devotees actively participate in the traditional rituals carried out during the opening and closing ceremonies, which are complete with customary practices. They are regarded as very sacred since they strongly imply that the temple is actively involved with the heavenly beings and within the particular society it serves. From the perspective of the weather and scenery, May to October is the best time for visiting Tungnath temple.
| Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| 10 May 2025 (Tentative) | November 2025 |
The suitable time frame to consider when planning a trip to the Tungnath Temple is between May and October when the temple is open. The periods experience comfortable weather with the temperature ranging between 5°C and 20°C hence making the excursions to the temple worthwhile. The lush vegetation of spring and summer adds to the elegance of the area but the clear sunlit skies in the post monsoon months are even more appealing as one can fully enjoy the striking beauty of the towering peaks.
Make sure to avoid the period extending from July to August as it is a raining season and heavy downpours will make the trekking arduous and trails unsafe. To achieve the highest level of enjoyment and spiritual experience, schedule the visit during the Mahashivaratri or any other festival within the temple. Exploring Tungnath temple is a holy and wonderful journey no matter the time of the year.
To reach Tungnath Temple, one has to undergo a combination of road and trekking. The closest important town in distance is Chopta which can be reached by road from other towns like Rishikesh at 200 km and Haridwar at 225 km. From Chopta, there is a well laid 4-kilometer trek which climbs to Tungnath. The Tungnath trek is short but moderately difficult due to the steep climb and the altitude. There are both public and private modes of transport available in order to get to Chopta and also trekking guides can be availed locally. Most of the time the travelers take rest for the night at Chopta before starting the journey to Tungnath Temple.
Although the temple is the main highlight, the area around it has plenty of interesting places that would mesmerize the visitors. Below are some of the suggested places to visit when you make a trip to Tungnath.
Chandrashila is situated 1 km from Tungnath temple. It is a peak that offers a 360-degree scenic view of various peaks in the Himalayas, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. Due to its peaceful ambience, the place is often associated with a myth where Lord Rama is said to have done penance after slaying Ravana.
At a distance of about 22 kilometers from Chopta, Deoria Tal is a beautiful high-altitude lake situated amidst thick, awesome forests and lush green meadows. This area is famous for the breathtaking mirror-like picture of the Chaukhamba peaks. Hence, it is an ideal place for camping, photography, and bird watching. The surroundings are so peaceful that it serves as a great getaway for both nature-loving and peace-loving people.
Chopta is popularly known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ as it is the base for the Tungnath trekking route. This beautiful village is set within lush green meadows, surrounded by tall coniferous trees and fragrant rhododendron flowers during the spring season. Offering some of the most stunning scenes of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges, Chopta is also a popular location for nature walks and for casual holidays.
Unexplored Rohini Bugyal is a perfect offbeat trekking avenue. This beautiful grassland is a few kilometers away from Chopta, dotted with few trees and with a complete view of the Kedarnath and Chowkhamba ranges. The route going to Rohini Bugyal is not that busy; hence, it can be a much-preferred option for people who seek peace.
In winters, when Tungnath temple is closed, the idol of Lord Shiva is located in Makkumath. This picturesque village is not only a religious center but also a center of culture. Travelers can meet with people, know about the traditions of Garhwal, and take pleasure in the beautiful countryside.
Kedarnath’s Wildlife Sanctuary, which includes Chopta and nearby areas, is a great place for those who love adventure as well as wildlife. It comprises different species of plants and animals, including mammals like musk deer, Himalayan monal, and leopards. Walking on its trails allows you to see the wide range of biodiversity that this region possesses.
Situated at about 30 kilometers from Chopta, Ukhimath happens to be one of the renowned pilgrimage sites. It is the winter seat of the deity from Kedarnath and has one of the oldest temples dedicated to shrines of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Usha. The town has a hospitable air and a lot of pretty-looking landscapes, so the place is worth going.
The Kartik Swami Temple, built at an altitude of 38 kilometers from a place called Chopta, is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, who is the first son of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the ridge and gives a marvelous grand view of all the peaks in the Himalayas toward every direction. The entire journey of visiting this temple is filled with adventure, as the temple is surrounded by forests and mountains.
Whether you're a trekker, a nature enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, the region around Tungnath Temple offers an unparalleled mix of experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Uttarakhand.
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