A sacred pilgrimage circuit in the Garhwal Himalayas
Panch Kedar
Pilgrimage to the Abode of Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas
Introduction :
Panch Kedar, a sacred pilgrimage circuit in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, is a hallowed journey undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva. Comprising five Shiva temples, these revered sanctuaries hold a special place in the hearts of countless believers. Each of these temples is steeped in history, legends, and spiritual significance, making Panch Kedar an essential pilgrimage for those seeking divine blessings and spiritual purification.
The Five Temples of Panch Kedar :
The Panch Kedar pilgrimage includes the following five temples, to be visited in a strict pecking order:
Kedarnath Temple
• Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 feet)
• Significance: Kedarnath is the primary temple among the five, forming a part of the Char Dham Yatra, along with Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Tungnath Temple
• Altitude: 3,680 meters (12,070 feet)
• Significance: Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and holds great spiritual significance.
Rudranath Temple
• Altitude: 3,559 meters (11,677 feet)
• Significance: This temple is dedicated to “Neelakantha Mahadeva,” where Lord Shiva’s face is venerated.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple
• Altitude: 3,490 meters (11,450 feet)
• Significance: This temple, also known as Madmaheshwar, is situated in a pristine location and is revered for its spiritual ambiance.
Kalpeshwar Temple
• Altitude: 2,200 meters (7,200 feet)
• Significance: Kalpeshwar is unique among the Panch Kedar temples as it remains accessible throughout the year.
The Origins and Legends :
The Panch Kedar temples have strong ties to the legends of the Mahabharata and the Pandavas. It is believed that the Pandavas embarked on this pilgrimage to atone for the sins they committed during the Kurukshetra war, including fratricide and the killing of Brahmins. After seeking the advice of Lord Krishna, the Pandavas handed over their kingdom and embarked on their journey to find Lord Shiva.
In the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi), believed to be Shiva’s favorite city, they did not find the solace they sought. Deeply hurt by the events of the Kurukshetra war, Lord Shiva chose to elude them. He took the form of a bull (Nandi) and concealed himself in the Garhwal region.
Their search eventually led them to the Garhwal Himalayas. It was Bhima, the second Pandava, who, while standing astride two mountains, recognized Shiva in the form of a bull grazing near Guptakashi. Bhima grabbed the bull by its tail and hind legs, but Shiva vanished into the ground, reappearing in five parts.
• Kedarnath: The hump of the bull emerged in Kedarnath.
• Tungnath: The arms appeared at Tungnath.
• Rudranath: The face became visible at Rudranath.
• Madhyamaheshwar: The navel and stomach resurfaced in Madhyamaheshwar.
• Kalpeshwar: The hair materialized in Kalpeshwar.
The Pandavas constructed temples at each of these locations, thus seeking forgiveness and redemption for their sins. This divine manifestation marked the creation of the Panch Kedar temples.
While this is the widely accepted legend, there is a variant of the tale that credits Bhima with not just catching the bull but also preventing it from disappearing. In this version, the bull was torn asunder, giving rise to the five locations in the Kedar Khand region of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Symbolic Worship During Winter :
The Panch Kedar temples remain inaccessible during the winter due to heavy snowfall. To continue worship during this period, the sanctified symbolic idol of Kedarnath is venerated at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath. Similarly, the symbolic image of Tunganath is worshipped at Makkumath, Rudranath at Gopeshwar, and Madhyamaheshwar at Ukhimath. Notably, Kalpeshwar is the only temple among the Panch Kedar that remains open year-round.
Geography and Access :
The Panch Kedar temples are set in the heart of the Upper Himalayas, surrounded by the stunning peaks of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth. Each temple boasts a unique location:
• Kedarnath: Nestled in the Mandakini River valley, this temple is situated near the Chorabari glacier. The sacred ponds of Retah, Udak, Rudra, and Rishi add to its spiritual allure.
• Tungnath: With a backdrop of Panchulli, Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Kedarnath, and Bandar Poonch peaks, Tungnath offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
• Rudranath: The temple is near the Vaitarani stream and offers a divine setting amidst nature’s wonders.
• Madhyamaheshwar: Surrounded by pristine landscapes, this temple is known for its tranquility and spirituality.
• Kalpeshwar – Nestled in the Urgam valley within a dense forest, Kalpeshwar provides a serene and unique spiritual experience. The Kalp Ganga river flows through this valley, adding to its natural beauty.
To access these temples, pilgrims embark on treks of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The total trekking distance to cover all five Panch Kedar temples is approximately 170 kilometers, involving a 16-day journey. The trek routes traverse through stunning landscapes and provide awe-inspiring views of the high snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
The trek begins from Gaurikund and proceeds as follows :
• Gaurikund to Kedarnath: A trek of 18 kilometers each way offers views of the Mandakini River valley.
• Guptakashi to Jagasu: A 30-kilometer road journey is followed by a 24-kilometer trek to Madhyamaheshwar temple via Gaundhar.
• Madhyamaheshwar to Chopta: A 45-kilometer road drive to Chopta includes views of the Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth peaks.
• Chopta to Tunganath: A 4-kilometer trek leads to the Tunganath temple.
• Mandal to Rudranath: A 20-kilometer trek takes you to the Rudranath temple.
• Helang to Kalpeshwar: The last trek, an 11-kilometer journey via Urgam village, is considered strenuous due to the steep terrain.
• After completing the pilgrimage at Kalpeshwar, the return road drive from Helang to Rishikesh via Pipalkothi covers a distance of 233 kilometers.
For those traveling from afar, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun (258 kilometers), and the closest railway station is Rishikesh (241 kilometers).
Conclusion :
The Panch Kedar pilgrimage is a spiritually enriching journey through the pristine landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas. These sacred temples not only hold a prominent place in Hindu mythology but also offer an opportunity for devotees to connect with the divine and seek forgiveness for their sins. The legends associated with the Panch Kedar temples and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Himalayas make this pilgrimage a life-altering experience, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. As visitors embark on this spiritual odyssey, they witness the profound connection between man, nature, and the divine.
Editor – Kaalchakra Team
[ Note – Before Concluding anything as a Finale, Please Go through Original Scriptures of Vaidik Literature Written in Sanskrit and Also with Meaning of That time of Language. Because English is a Limited language to Explaining the Deeper Knowledge of Vaidik Kaal. ]