A Brief of Panch Kedar
By Admin :17th March 2023
Panch Kedar is a set of five sacred Hindu temples located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are considered among the most significant pilgrimage sites for Shaivites, followers of Lord Shiva. The term 'Panch Kedar' literally means 'five Kedars,' as these temples are associated with the legend of Lord Shiva taking refuge in the form of a bull at five different locations to avoid the Pandavas during the Mahabharata period.
The five temples that constitute Panch Kedar are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Each of these temples is located at a different altitude, with Kedarnath being the highest and Kalpeshwar being the lowest. The temples are nestled in the beautiful Himalayan ranges, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, making the journey to these temples both a spiritual and physical experience.
The first temple of the Panch Kedar is Kedarnath, which is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas, and it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the banks of the Mandakini River and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The temple opens its doors to pilgrims every year from April to November.
The second temple is Tungnath, located at an altitude of 3,680 meters above sea level, and is the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and is one of the Panch Kedar temples. The temple is accessible only by foot, and the trek to Tungnath is considered a moderate one. The trek offers a stunning view of the Himalayan ranges, making the journey to the temple a memorable experience.
The third temple is Rudranath, located at an altitude of 2,286 meters above sea level. It is believed that Lord Shiva's face appeared at this spot, and thus, the temple is considered one of the Panch Kedar temples. The temple is accessible only by foot, and the trek is considered a difficult one. The trek to Rudranath is through dense forests, and pilgrims get to experience the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.
The fourth temple is Madhyamaheshwar, located at an altitude of 3,289 meters above sea level. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva's navel appeared, and thus, it is one of the Panch Kedar temples. The temple is located in a beautiful valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The trek to the temple is considered a moderate one, and pilgrims get to experience the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.
The fifth and final temple of the Panch Kedar is Kalpeshwar, located at an altitude of 2,134 meters above sea level. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva's hair appeared, and thus, it is one of the Panch Kedar temples. The temple is located in a beautiful valley, and the trek to the temple is considered an easy one.
In conclusion, Panch Kedar is an important pilgrimage site for Shaivites, and the journey to these temples is not just a physical one, but a spiritual one as well. The trek to these temples is through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, and the experience of visiting these temples is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who undertakes this pilgrimage.
