ॐ नमः शिवाय ।
The first thought that comes to anyone’s mind after reading the title is ‘Kedarnath Temple’, but no, this divine temple is located in the Deva Bhumi, Uttarakhand, is famous for its sacred temples in India. In the snowcapped mountains lays a beautiful and powerful temple of Lord Shiva, ” Tungnath”. Lord Shiva, the one among the trinity, is known for bestowing blessings on his devotees who worship him dearly. Among his numerous temples Tungnath temple is the only temple located in such a high altitude.
Location
This divine Dham is located in the Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. On the Chandranath Parvat(mountain), at an amazing altitude of 12,073 ft. The stunning beauty of the region and the panoramic view of the Himalayas. The Mandakini Mountain and the Alaknanda River Valley give a surreal experience to the pilgrims and the trekkers. It’s also known as the Mini Switzerland of India, for its stunning beauty.
It is the third among the Pancha Kedar Temples, right under the Chandrashila mountain summit. Moreover, it takes around 1.5 kmts from Tungnath temple to reach this summit. One has to be careful while trekking to this summit, its peak is steep.
Legends
After the greatest war against adhrama was over, the Pandavas were advised by Lord Krishna to absolve their sin of killing kith and kin, the Guru(master) who stood with the adhrama (wrongdoers), with the blessing of Lord Shiva. As per Lord Krishna’s advice, they start on a journey to obtain the blessing of Lord Shiva to absolves ones committed sin. Lord Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas along with Parvati Devi. Decided to test the Pandavas, the Lord disguised into a huge bull and started wandering in the region. However, Bheema identified Lord Shiva before he disappeared; he holds the bull with full strength. Bull body parts are divided and form different divine Shiva temples across the Himalayas. Hump in Kēdāranātha, arms in the Tungnath, face in the Rudranath, Naval region in the Madhyamaheshwar temple, and the hair in the Kalpeshwar temple.
Lord Rama, after killing the demon King Ravana, meditated on the Peaks of Chandrashila to absolve his sin of killing a brahmin and the Lord’s devotee. Another folklore is that Chandra deva worshipped lord shiva on this mountain peak for several years.
Trekking
Trekking in the Himalayan mountains is an amazing experience. The bewitching beauty of the icy mountains and the nature makes trekkers spellbound. However, one must be careful; fitness alone is not enough to go trekking at such high-altitude places; knowledge about the place is a must. The better option would be to book a trekking package and trek safely. Never wander off in the wildness difficult to survive alone. Follow the clear instructions of the guide, and if any illness occurs due to such altitude, take breaks. Pray to Lord Shiva and start the journey while visiting his abode in the Himalayas.
Conclusion
Tungnath Temple third among the Pancha Kedra temples, one of the sacred Dham. It is considered the highest altitude Shiva temple in the world. This temple darshan not only bless devotee with the divine grace of Lord Shiva, but it also provides the view of the spellbound beauty of the Himalaya mountains and the river valley. Tungnath, meaning Lord of mountain peaks.
नागेंद्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्मांग रागाय महेश्वराय
नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगंबराय तस्मे न काराय नम: शिवाय:॥
मंदाकिनी सलिल चंदन चर्चिताय नंदीश्वर प्रमथनाथ महेश्वराय
मंदारपुष्प बहुपुष्प सुपूजिताय तस्मे म काराय नम: शिवाय:॥
शिवाय गौरी वदनाब्जवृंद सूर्याय दक्षाध्वरनाशकाय
श्री नीलकंठाय वृषभद्धजाय तस्मै शि काराय नम: शिवाय:॥
अवन्तिकायां विहितावतारं मुक्तिप्रदानाय च सज्जनानाम्।
अकालमृत्यो: परिरक्षणार्थं वन्दे महाकालमहासुरेशम्।।
https://gsn-blogs.com/nandanar-story
Tungnath Temple Trek Route – Tungnath Winter Trekking Guide Travel Tips
