World's Highest Located Temple - Tungnath

Tungnath Temple is both the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples and the highest Shiva temple in the entire world. It is situated in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian State of Uttarakhand, in the Tungnath Mountain range. The exact meaning of the name Tungnath is "God of the Mountain." This temple, which is situated just below Chandrashila's peak, is the tallest Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Shiva. It belongs to the Panch Krdars' Tritiya Kedar order and is thought to be 1,000 years old. The temple has a fantastic connection to the Pandava heroes of the Mahabharata!

The Tungnath temple has something to offer to everyone, whether they are devoted followers of Lord Shiva, environment enthusiasts, or thrill-seekers. The temple is situated so that it magnificently embellishes the surrounding natural environment. The Tungnath temple is where Lord Shiva's hands found rest, according to the scriptures. Additionally, it is well known that Pandavas erected the temple to please Lord Shiva.

The temple has enormous spiritual significance and a stunning setting, which can captivate tourists with its pastoral beauty. This location showcases the incomparable splendor of the Gharwal region and is perfect for avid trekkers. The delightfully attractive cascade appears to have just descended directly from above. Although the temple's walking route is made of brownstones, the breathtaking view of the meadow transforms it into an unforgettable experience for hikers.

Stories Behind Tungnath Temple

According to Hindu legend, the Himalayas were home to both Shiva and Paravati, his better half. The Panch Kedar temples, which the Pandavas built, are actually connected to the Tungnatha temple. According to legend, the Pandavas were told by the scholar Vyas Rashi that they could only atone for their guilt of killing their own cousins the Kauravas during the Mahabharata war in Kurukshetra by worshipping Lord Shiva and making him pleased. Following the suggestion, they continued their quest for Lord Shiva, who was attempting to stay away from them because he believed the Pandavas were guilty. Lord Shiva later took refuge in Guptakashi and assumed the form of a bull so that Pandavas would not be able to find them. 

However, the Pandavas managed to capture him, and after Lord Shiva's body parts in the form of a bull were rematerialized at five different sites, they became known as the Panch Kedar. Here, the Pandavas built temples for Lord Shiva in order to ask for his forgiveness for killing their own cousins. It was in Tungnath where the hands were discovered! The hump was visible in Kedarnath, but Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwara saw just his head, navel, stomach, and Jata. The truth also states that Lord Rama, the main figure in the Ramayana, meditated near Tungnath at Chandrashil Mountain. Additionally, it is thought that throughout his reign in Lanka, King Ravana offered penance to Lord Shiva at the tungnath temple.