Spiritual Places To Visit In Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand | Pilgrimage Destination India

Spiritual Places To Visit In Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Tungnath Temple is not only a pilgrimage destination but also a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The area is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers several spiritual places to explore and experience divine power. Visitors can also indulge in activities like trekking, bird-watching, and wildlife spotting. Tungnath Temple and its surrounding areas offer a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone seeking inner peace and tranquility.

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple is the main attraction of the area and is considered one of the Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 8th century. The temple is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and dense forests, making it a serene and peaceful place for spiritual seekers.

Chandrashila Peak

Chandrashila Peak is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand. The peak is situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek to the peak is quite challenging, but the stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding area make it worth the effort.

Deoria Tal

Deoria Tal is a beautiful lake situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is considered a sacred place by the locals. The reflection of the surrounding mountains in the crystal-clear water of the lake is a sight to behold.

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

The Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is located near the Tungnath Temple and is a must-visit for nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and snow leopard. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, making it a bird-watcher's paradise.

Ukhimath

Ukhimath is a small town located near Tungnath Temple and is considered a sacred place by the locals. The town is home to several ancient temples, including the Omkareshwar Temple and the Kali Mata Temple. The town is also known for its natural beauty, with lush green forests and snow-clad mountains surrounding it.

Rudranath Temple

Rudranath Temple is another Panch Kedar temple located near Tungnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the most sacred places in India. The temple is situated at an altitude of 2,286 meters and is surrounded by scenic beauty and tranquility.

Madhmaheshwar Temple

Madhmaheshwar Temple is another Panch Kedar temple located near Tungnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the place where the navel of Lord Shiva fell. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,289 meters and is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-clad mountains.

Kalpeshwar Temple

Kalpeshwar Temple is another Panch Kedar temple located near Tungnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the place where the hair of Lord Shiva fell. The temple is situated at an altitude of 2,134

meters and is surrounded by lush green forests and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal place for spiritual seekers and nature lovers.

Guptkashi

Guptkashi is a small town located near Tungnath Temple and is considered a sacred place by the locals. The town is home to several ancient temples, including the Vishwanath Temple and the Ardhnarishwar Temple. The town is also known for its natural beauty, with the Mandakini River flowing through it and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Gaurikund

Gaurikund is a small town located near Tungnath Temple and is considered the starting point of the Kedarnath Yatra. The town is named after Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, who is believed to have performed penance at this place to win Lord Shiva's heart. The town is surrounded by scenic beauty and is a popular destination among spiritual seekers and nature lovers.

Triyuginarayan Temple

Triyuginarayan Temple is an ancient temple located near Tungnath Temple and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. The temple is situated at an altitude of 1,980 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located near Tungnath Temple. The park is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer. The park also offers breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi peak and is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest places for Hindus and is located near Tungnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and scenic beauty.

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism and is located near Tungnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters and is surrounded by scenic beauty and tranquility.

Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh shrine located near Tungnath Temple and is considered one of the holiest places in Sikhism. The shrine is situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. The shrine is visited by thousands of devotees every year, especially during the Hemkund Sahib Yatra.

Hidden facts about Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand:-

Tungnath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine located in the Uttarakhand state of India, and it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Here are some hidden facts about the temple:

1. Legend has it that the temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. It is believed that the temple was built by the eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhishthira.
2. The temple is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, which includes five shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas. The other four temples are Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar.
3. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) above sea level, making it the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is also one of the highest temples in India.
4. The trek to Tungnath temple is a popular trekking route in Uttarakhand. The trek starts from Chopta, which is known as the "Mini Switzerland" of India. The trek is relatively easy and takes around 4-5 hours to complete.
5. The temple has a unique architecture and is made of stone slabs and wood. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and has undergone several renovations over the years.
6. The temple is open to visitors only for six months every year, from April to November. During the winter months, the temple is covered with snow, and the area is inaccessible.
7. The temple is surrounded by some of the most beautiful Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The view from the temple is breathtaking, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.
8. The temple has a small pond called "Chandra Kund" located near it, which is believed to have medicinal properties. Devotees take a dip in the pond before entering the temple.
9. According to local beliefs, the Tungnath temple is the place where Lord Shiva's arms appeared during the Mahabharata era. The temple is also believed to be the place where the sage Vyas wrote the Mahabharata.
10. The Tungnath temple is known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, including the annual Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the locals and attracts visitors from all over the world.

How to travel by road to Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand and the nearest bus stand

Traveling by road is a popular and convenient option for reaching Tungnath Temple in Uttarakhand. The nearest bus stand is in Chopta, which is located around 4 kilometers away from Tungnath Temple. From there, one can either hike or hire a taxi to reach the temple.

The road to Tungnath Temple is scenic and passes through beautiful valleys and mountains. The nearest major city to Tungnath Temple is Rishikesh, which is around 215 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Chopta. The journey takes around 7-8 hours by road.

If you are traveling from Delhi, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Rishikesh. From there, you can continue your journey to Chopta and then to Tungnath Temple. The total distance from Delhi to Tungnath Temple is around 450 kilometers, and the journey takes around 12-14 hours by road.

It is advisable to check the weather conditions before embarking on a road trip to Tungnath Temple, as the roads can be slippery and dangerous during monsoon season. It is also recommended to carry extra warm clothing, food, and water during the journey, as there may not be many options for refreshments along the way.

How to travel by train to Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand, and the nearest railway station

The nearest railway station to Tungnath Temple is the Rishikesh Railway Station, which is located at a distance of around 200 km. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tungnath Temple.

Rishikesh Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai through a network of trains. Some of the popular trains that operate on this route are the Dehradun Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, and Mussoorie Express.

It is advisable to book your train tickets well in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid last-minute hassles. Once you reach Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tungnath Temple. The journey from Rishikesh to Tungnath takes around 7-8 hours by road.

If you are looking for a more comfortable mode of transportation, you can also opt for a private car rental or a pre-booked taxi from Rishikesh. This way, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand and take breaks whenever you want.

How to travel by air to Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand and the nearest airport

The nearest airport to Tungnath Temple in Uttarakhand is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Tungnath. The distance from Dehradun to Tungnath is around 227 km, and it takes around 7-8 hours to cover the distance by road. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is about 440 km from Tungnath. From Delhi, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Tungnath. The distance from Delhi to Tungnath is around 434 km, and it takes around 10-12 hours to cover the distance by road.

FAQs

Q.1 What is the best time to visit Tungnath Temple?

The best time to visit Tungnath Temple is from mid-May to June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Q.2 Is it safe to trek to Tungnath Temple?

Yes, trekking to Tungnath Temple is safe, but it is advisable to hire a guide and be well-prepared with proper gear and clothing.

Q.3 Are there any accommodation options near Tungnath Temple?

Yes, there are several accommodation options available near Tungnath Temple, including guesthouses, homestays, and hotels.

Q.4 What is the significance of the Tungnath Temple?

Tungnath Temple is considered the highest Shiva temple in the world and is believed to be more than 1000 years old. It is also one of the Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand.

Q.5 How can I reach Tungnath Temple?

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tungnath Temple.