Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World
Location
Tungnath Peak, Rudraprayag District, Chandrashila Ridge, 3,680 metres
City
Chopta, Uttarakhand
Deity
Lord Shiva as Tunganath (arms of Shiva enshrined — third of the Panch Kedar)
Temple Type
Panch Kedar Shaivite Temple — World's Highest Shiva Temple at 3,680 m
World's highest Shiva temple at 3,680 m; third of the Panch Kedar; Pandava legend of Shiva's arms; Chandrashila peak extension trek (4,130 m); snow-bound Nov–April; panoramic 270° Himalayan view
Significance
Tungnath is the third of the Panch Kedar (five sacred Shiva shrines of Garhwal) and holds the distinction of being the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 metres above sea level. According to Mahabharata mythology, the Pandavas sought Shiva's penance after the Kurukshetra war, but Shiva eluded them by transforming into a bull and hiding. At Tungnath, his arms were found — hence the temple enshrines the divine arms of Shiva. The Panch Kedar pilgrimage (Kedarnath → Madmaheshwar → Tungnath → Rudranath → Kalpeshwar) is one of the highest-altitude Hindu pilgrimages in the world. From Tungnath, a further 1.5 km trek leads to Chandrashila peak (3,679 m) with panoramic Himalayan views.
Legend & History
After the devastating Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas were burdened with the sin of killing their kinsmen and sought Shiva's forgiveness. Shiva, angered by the slaughter, assumed the form of a bull (Nandi) and hid in the Garhwal Himalayas. The Pandavas tracked him across the mountains. As they approached at Kedarnath, Shiva plunged into the earth — but different parts of his body emerged at five locations: the hump at Kedarnath, the navel at Madmaheshwar, the arms at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and the locks of hair at Kalpeshwar. These five sites became the Panch Kedar. Tungnath's annual pilgrimage season opens in May when the temple is accessible after winter snows melt.
May to November (temple open); peak season June-September; Chandrashila sunrise trek (October-November for clear skies); snowfall season Dec-April (temple closed)
From Rishikesh: 205 km via Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Chopta. From Chopta (base): 3.5 km trek to Tungnath. Drive via Okhimath or Ukhimath to Chopta (1,800m). Buses from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Ukhimath; then shared jeep to Chopta. Trek is moderate-difficult; well-marked trail.
Frequently Asked Questionsअक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
Where is Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World located?
Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World (तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर) is located at Tungnath Peak, Rudraprayag District, Chandrashila Ridge, 3,680 metres, in Uttarakhand, India. It is a revered Hindu temple.
तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर कहाँ स्थित है?
तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर Tungnath Peak, Rudraprayag District, Chandrashila Ridge, 3,680 metres, उत्तराखंड (भारत) में स्थित है। यह एक पूजनीय हिंदू मंदिर है।
Which deity is worshipped at Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World?
The principal deity worshipped at Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World is Lord Shiva as Tunganath (arms of Shiva enshrined — third of the Panch Kedar).
तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर में किस देवता की पूजा होती है?
तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर में मुख्य रूप से भगवान शिव तुंगनाथ के रूप में (शिव की भुजाएं स्थापित — पंच केदार का तृतीय धाम) की पूजा होती है।
What is the significance of Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World?
Tungnath is the third of the Panch Kedar (five sacred Shiva shrines of Garhwal) and holds the distinction of being the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 metres above sea level. According to Mahabharata mythology, the Pandavas sought Shiva's penance after the Kurukshetra war, but Shiva eluded them by transforming into a bull and hiding. At Tungnath, his arms were found — hence the temple enshrines the divine arms of Shiva. The Panch Kedar pilgrimage (Kedarnath → Madmaheshwar → Tungnath → Rudranath → Kalpeshwar) is one of the highest-altitude Hindu pilgrimages in the world. From Tungnath, a further 1.5 km trek leads to Chandrashila peak (3,679 m) with panoramic Himalayan views.
तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर का क्या महत्व है?
तुंगनाथ पंच केदार (गढ़वाल के पाँच पवित्र शिव मंदिर) का तृतीय धाम है और 3,680 मीटर की ऊँचाई पर विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर होने का गौरव रखता है। महाभारत पौराणिक कथा के अनुसार, पांडवों ने कुरुक्षेत्र युद्ध के बाद शिव से क्षमा माँगी, लेकिन शिव ने उनसे बचने के लिए बैल का रूप धारण कर लिया। तुंगनाथ में उनकी भुजाएं मिलीं — इसलिए यहाँ शिव की दिव्य भुजाएं स्थापित हैं।
What is the best time to visit Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World?
The best time to visit Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World is May to November (temple open); peak season June-September; Chandrashila sunrise trek (October-November for clear skies); snowfall season Dec-April (temple closed).
तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर जाने का सबसे अच्छा समय कौन-सा है?
तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर जाने का सबसे अच्छा समय May to November (temple open); peak season June-September; Chandrashila sunrise trek (October-November for clear skies); snowfall season Dec-April (temple closed) है।
How do I reach Tungnath Temple — Highest Shiva Shrine in the World?
From Rishikesh: 205 km via Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Chopta. From Chopta (base): 3.5 km trek to Tungnath. Drive via Okhimath or Ukhimath to Chopta (1,800m). Buses from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Ukhimath; then shared jeep to Chopta. Trek is moderate-difficult; well-marked trail.
तुंगनाथ मंदिर — विश्व का सर्वोच्च शिव मंदिर कैसे पहुँचें?
From Rishikesh: 205 km via Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Chopta. From Chopta (base): 3.5 km trek to Tungnath. Drive via Okhimath or Ukhimath to Chopta (1,800m). Buses from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Ukhimath; then shared jeep to Chopta. Trek is moderate-difficult; well-marked trail.
