Tungnath Temple: Journey to the Highest Shiva Temple on Earth

Tungnath Temple is a special place located in the mountains of Tungnath. It is the highest shiva temple in the whole world. It is part of the Panch Kedars, which are very important places of worship. It sits very high up at a height of 3680 meters and is believed to be almost 1000 years old. Many Hindu pilgrims visit this temple from all over the world. This highest Shiva temple is surrounded by stunning mountains. It’s also a great place for adventure lovers because they can go on an exciting trek to reach the temple. This place has a mix of spirituality, beauty, and peace, making it a perfect destination for tourists.

The grand temple is built with special stones that are decorated and painted on the outside to show tall towers. On top of the highest part of the temple, there is a wooden stage with sixteen openings. The roof of the temple is made of stone pieces, and when you enter, you’ll see a stone statue of Nandi looking at the idol of Lord Shiva. On the right side of the entrance, there is a picture of Lord Ganesha.

History of World’s Highest Shiva Temple : Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple is part of the Panch Kedar Circuit, a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva that were built by the Pandavas. According to the legend, a wise sage named Vyas told the Pandavas that they needed to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sins they committed during the Mahabharata war, where they fought against their own cousins, the Kauravas.

The Pandavas wanted to find Lord Shiva, but he was avoiding them because he believed they were guilty. Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull and disappeared in the ground with all his body parts scattered in different places. His hump appeared at Kedarnath, his arms at Tungnath, his head at Rudranath, his stomach and navel at Madhyamaheshwar, and his hair at Kalpeshwar.

Pandavas built the temple to worship lord Shiva to atone for their sins. The name of the temple, ‘Tungnath,’ comes from ‘Tung,’ which means arms, and ‘Nath,’ which symbolizes Lord Shiva.

How to reach Tungnath Temple – the Highest Shiva Temple in the world

From Chopta, you can easily reach Tungnath by walking on a path that is about 4 kilometers long. The path starts right next to the road in Chopta, so it’s easy to find. The path is made of stones and there are benches along the way where you can sit and take a break. From these benches, you can see and enjoy the amazing views of the Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath peaks.

The closest train station to Tungnath is Haridwar Railway Station, which is about 225 kilometers away from Chopta. From Delhi, one can travel 448 km by road to Chopta. The nearest airport to Tungnath is the Jolly Grant Airport, which is about 260 kilometers away.

Best time to visit Tungnath Temple

The best time to visit the temple is during the summer season when the weather is nice and not too hot. The average temperature during this time is around 16 degrees Celsius.

Tungnath Temple Related Important Information

Timings : 6am – 7pm

Ticket : Entry is free

Opening Date : 26 April 2023

Closing Date : Closing date would be announced in Dussehra. Last year it was 7 November 2022

Tungnath Temple Opening Date 2023

The dates for visiting Tungnath and Madhyamaheshwar Temples during the 2023 session have been officially announced. Tungnath Temple will open its doors on 26th April 2023, while Madhyamaheshwar Temple will welcome devotees starting from 22nd May 2023.

Excitement among spiritual seekers has reached its peak as the Char Dhams have already opened their sacred portals. Now, the Tungnath and Madmaheshwar Temples are also joining in to provide a divine experience for pilgrims. The announcement of the temple openings was made on the auspicious occasion of the Baisakhi festival.

The decision to open the temple portals involves a meticulous process of Panchang calculations performed by Acharyas and Vedapathis at the Panch Kedar Gaddisthal. The departure and possession schedule of the holy idols were also determined during this time.

Why is Tungnath Temple famous?

Tungnath Temple is one of the five temples in the sacred Panch Kedar Circuit. The circuit includes Kedarnath, Rudranath, Kalpeshwar, Tungnath, and Madhmaheshwar. These temples hold great significance as they are believed to cleanse one’s karmic burdens. Tungnath Temple, being the third stop in the Panch Kedar Yatra, is known as Tritiya Kedar. Visiting these temples during the pilgrimage journey is a powerful spiritual experience that can bring spiritual purification and enlightenment.

Cities2Explore Tips For Trek to Highest Shiva Temple

Make sure you’re physically fit for the trek to Tungnath. Activities like running, cycling, and swimming can help improve your stamina.
During the peak season, you can hire mules and porters to help carry your belongings.
It’s best to avoid traveling during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides.
Tungnath is located in a remote area, so facilities like ATMs and petrol pumps are not available there. You’ll need to go to Gopeshwar or Ukhimath for these facilities.
Remember to bring trekking boots, a warm jacket, sunscreen, water, and any prescribed medicines.
Wear waterproof trekking shoes to avoid slipping on the snow. You can rent shoes at the starting point of the trek.
Carry a power bank to charge your mobile phone as there are no charging points on the trek route.
The network connectivity is limited and internet connection is infrequent, usually in 2G.
Bring raincoats in case it rains, as there are no covered halting points on the route.
Photography is not allowed inside the temple.

Tungnath Temple, The Highest Shiva Temple : FAQs

What is inside Tungnath temple?

Inside the main chamber of India’s highest Shiva temple, there are special things made of a mixture of eight metals called Ashtadhatu. These include idols of saint Vyas, Kala Bhairav, and the followers of Lord Shiva.

Which is the best time for Tungnath temple?

The best time to visit the temple is during the summer season when the weather is nice and not too hot. The average temperature during this time is around 16 degrees Celsius.

Which part of Shiva is in Tungnath?

Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull and disappeared in the ground with all his body parts scattered in different places. His arms appeared at Tungnath.

How long is the trek to Tungnath temple?

Tungnath trek is about 4 km long which can take 2-3 hours to complete.

Is Tungnath trek easy or difficult?

Tungnath trek is relatively easier than Kedar trek.

Is Tungnath higher than Kedarnath?

Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world.

How many days are enough for Tungnath?

3-4 days are enough for Tungnath.

Which is the hardest temple trek?

Shrikhand Mahadev in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh is the hardest temple trek.

Is Tungnath worth visiting?

Tungnath is one the Panch Kedar circuit and it is worth visiting as it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. The visit is said to be incomplete if you haven’t visited all the Panch Kedar.

Why Tungnath temple in news?

Tungnath has been designated as a national monument by the Central Government on 27 March 2023.

Tungnath temple Images

The highest shiva temple in the world - Tungnath Temple

World highest shiva temple Tungnath Temple

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