Panch Kedar: Shiva temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas
The Panch Kedar (पञ्चकेदार) refers to five sacred Shiva temples located in the high Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. These five temples — Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar — together form one of the most spiritually powerful pilgrimage circuits in Hinduism.
Deeply connected with the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, the Panch Kedar temples represent Lord Shiva’s divine manifestation in five different forms after the great Kurukshetra war. Spread across remote Himalayan valleys, forests, and alpine meadows, this yatra is not only a religious journey but also one of India’s most demanding spiritual treks.
The Spiritual Origin of Panch Kedar
After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas were burdened by the karmic weight of killing their own kin. Seeking liberation from this sin, they were advised by Lord Krishna to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva.
Shiva, unwilling to grant them immediate absolution, fled to the Garhwal Himalayas and hid himself in the form of a bull near Guptkashi (Hidden Kashi). When Bhima identified the bull and tried to catch it, Shiva disappeared into the earth and reappeared in five divine forms across the mountains:
| Shiva’s Form | Temple |
|---|---|
| Hump | Kedarnath |
| Arms | Tungnath |
| Face | Rudranath |
| Navel | Madhyamaheshwar |
| Hair (Jata) | Kalpeshwar |
The Pandavas built temples at each location, creating what is now known as the Panch Kedar Yatra — a sacred journey of karma, repentance, and spiritual liberation.
The 5 Shiva Temples of Panch Kedar are
1. Kedarnath – The Main Shrine of Panch Kedar
Located at an altitude of 3,583–3,584 meters, Kedarnath Temple is the most revered of all Panch Kedar shrines. It houses a conical Shiva lingam, believed to be Lord Shiva’s hump.
The temple lies in the Mandakini Valley against a dramatic backdrop of snow-covered peaks. Pilgrims reach it via a 16–19 km trek from Gaurikund. Kedarnath is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham Yatra.
2. Tungnath – The Highest Shiva Temple in the World
At 3,680 meters, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple on Earth. It marks the place where Shiva’s arms appeared.
The trek begins from Chopta and is about 3.5–4 km, offering panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Bandar Poonch. Tungnath is considered spiritually powerful and visually breathtaking.
3. Rudranath – The Most Mysterious Panch Kedar Temple
Surrounded by alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, Rudranath lies at around 2,286–3,559 meters. This natural rock temple is where Lord Shiva’s face (Neelkanth Mahadev) appeared.
Sacred water pools such as Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, and Mana Kund surround the shrine. The most common route is from Sagar village, involving an 18–20 km trek, making it one of the toughest and most mystical journeys in Panch Kedar.
4. Madhyamaheshwar – The Most Peaceful Kedar Temple
Situated at about 3,289–3,490 meters, Madhyamaheshwar represents Shiva’s navel. The temple lies in a green Himalayan valley with magnificent views of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth.
The trek starts from Uniana or Ransi, passing through Gaundhar village, covering nearly 19 km. The serenity and isolation of this shrine make it one of the most peaceful places in the entire Kedar region.
5. Kalpeshwar – The Only Panch Kedar Temple Open All Year
Kalpeshwar, located in the lush Urgam Valley, is the only Panch Kedar shrine that remains open throughout the year. It is where Shiva’s matted hair (jata) is worshipped.
It can be reached via Helang and Urgam village, followed by a short trek of a few kilometers, making it the easiest to access and spiritually significant during winter when other temples close.
Panch Kedar Yatra Route & Trekking Circuit
The pilgrimage typically starts from Rishikesh, the main gateway to Garhwal.
| Temple | Base | Trek Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath | Gaurikund | 16–19 km |
| Madhyamaheshwar | Ransi | 8–19 km |
| Tungnath | Chopta | 3.5–4 km |
| Rudranath | Sagar / Mandal | 18–20 km |
| Kalpeshwar | Helang–Urgam | 2–11 km |
The full Panch Kedar trek covers 95–170 km and usually takes 10 to 16 days, depending on route and pace.
Weather & Best Time for Panch Kedar Yatra 2026
The pilgrimage is undertaken in two seasons:
- May to June
- September to October
During winter, heavy snowfall makes four temples inaccessible. Their idols are worshipped at:
- Ukhimath (Kedarnath & Madhyamaheshwar)
- Makkumath (Tungnath)
- Gopeshwar (Rudranath)
Only Kalpeshwar remains open year-round.
Why Panch Kedar Is Spiritually Supreme
The Panch Kedar Yatra is not just a pilgrimage — it is a journey of karma, humility, and divine justice. The legend teaches that even the greatest warriors must face the spiritual consequences of their actions.
These five temples stand as living symbols of redemption through devotion, making Panch Kedar one of the most sacred Shiva pilgrimages in India.