Tungnath Temple – The Highest Abode of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas

 

Location

• Tungnath Temple is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand.
• It lies near Chopta, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” and requires a 3.5 km uphill trek from Chopta to reach the temple.
• The temple offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedar Dome.

Main Deity and Subshrines

• The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a lingam representing his hump, as per the Mahabharata legend.
• The temple complex includes:
• A sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) housing the Shiva lingam.
• A mandap (hall) for devotees.
• Stone carvings depicting various Hindu deities and symbols.
• Though small in size, the temple is architecturally significant and built in traditional North Indian style using local stone and timber.

Temple Significance

• Mythological Importance:
• According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas built this temple to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra war.
• Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground; his hump reappeared at Tungnath, which is now worshipped.
• Spiritual Legacy:
• The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old, with its origins linked to Adi Shankaracharya, who helped establish it as a major pilgrimage site.
• Part of Panch Kedar:
• Tungnath is one of the five sacred Kedars, alongside Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar, each representing a different part of Shiva’s body.
• Pilgrimage and Trekking:
• The trek to Tungnath is considered both a spiritual journey and a physical challenge, often accompanied by chanting and devotional hymns.
• Seasonal Worship:
• The temple is open during the summer months and closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. During closure, the deity is worshipped at Makkumath, the winter seat of Tungnath.

History & Legends

• Ancient Origins: Believed to be over 1,000 years old, Tungnath Temple is deeply rooted in Mahabharata-era mythology and spiritual tradition.
• Pandava Connection: After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and vanished into the earth. His hump emerged at Tungnath, which is now worshipped as a lingam.
• Panch Kedar Circuit: Tungnath is the third temple in the sacred Panch Kedar pilgrimage, representing Shiva’s hump. The other four temples represent his arms (Rudranath), face (Kedarnath), navel (Madhyamaheshwar), and hair (Kalpeshwar).
• Adi Shankaracharya’s Influence: The temple is said to have been revived and sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya, who helped establish its spiritual prominence.

Architecture

• Style: Built in North Indian Himalayan stone architecture, using locally sourced grey stone slabs.
• Structure:
• A small sanctum (garbhagriha) houses the Shiva lingam.
• A modest mandapam allows space for devotees and rituals.
• Carvings: The temple walls feature simple yet symbolic carvings of deities like Ganesha and Parvati.
• Durability: Despite its high-altitude location (3,680 meters), the temple has withstood centuries of harsh weather, showcasing traditional Himalayan craftsmanship.

Daily Rituals

• Shiva Abhishekam: Traditional bathing of the Shiva lingam with water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee.
• Archana & Aarti: Devotees offer flowers, bilva leaves, and perform aarti with lamps and conch sounds.
• Mantra Chanting: Vedic hymns and Shiva stotras are recited by priests and pilgrims.
• Seasonal Worship: The temple remains open from April to November. During winter, the deity is worshipped at Makkumath, the temple’s winter seat.

Major Festivals

• Mahashivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur, featuring night-long vigils, special abhishekams, and devotional singing.
• Shravan Maas (July–August): Considered highly auspicious for Shiva worship; pilgrims trek to Tungnath for darshan.
• Panch Kedar Yatra: Tungnath is the third stop in this sacred pilgrimage, attracting devotees from across India.
• Local Fairs: During temple opening and closing ceremonies, villagers and pilgrims gather for folk performances and rituals.

Beliefs & Spiritual Significance

• Forgiveness of Sins: Worshipping Shiva at Tungnath is believed to absolve sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.
• Pandava Legacy: Pilgrimage here is said to carry the spiritual merit of the Pandavas’ quest for redemption.
• Shiva’s Presence in Nature: The high-altitude setting is seen as a place where Shiva resides in his meditative form.
• Healing & Peace: Devotees believe that trekking to Tungnath and offering prayers brings mental clarity, physical strength, and spiritual peace.

Temple Hours

• Open Season: Late April to early November (dates vary based on snowfall and weather).
• Daily Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Winter Closure: During heavy snowfall, the temple closes and the deity is worshipped at Makkumath, the winter seat.

Getting Here

• Nearest Town: Chopta, Uttarakhand — base point for the trek.
• Trek Distance: ~3.5 km uphill from Chopta to Tungnath (moderate difficulty).
• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (~200 km) or Haridwar (~225 km).
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~220 km).
• Road Access:
• From Rudraprayag, drive to Chopta via Kund and Ukhimath.
• Shared taxis and buses are available from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Ukhimath, then local transport to Chopta.

Tips

• Trekking Gear: Wear sturdy shoes, carry rain protection, and dress in layers — weather changes quickly.
• Altitude Care: Stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and acclimatize at Chopta before trekking.
• Temple Etiquette: Maintain silence, avoid leather items, and respect local customs.
• Photography: Allowed outside the temple; avoid inside sanctum unless permitted.
• Eco-Friendly Travel: Carry reusable bottles, avoid plastic, and respect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.