Tungnath Temple

Published on October 24, 2024

Tungnath Temple – The Highest Abode of Lord Shiva

High in the Garhwal Himalayas, above lush meadows and beneath the watchful gaze of snow-clad peaks, stands Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world at an awe-inspiring altitude of 3,680 meters. This ancient shrine is a blend of divine energy, natural beauty, and legendary tales that date back thousands of years.

It is not just a pilgrimage site but also a favorite trekking destination for nature lovers, offering panoramic Himalayan views and a trail steeped in spirituality. Tungnath forms an integral part of the Panch Kedar circuit, making it a must-visit for both devotees and adventure seekers.

The Myth & History – Tungnath in the Legend of Panch Kedar

The history of Tungnath is intertwined with the epic Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas were burdened with the sin of killing their kin, even though it was in the pursuit of dharma. They sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva, but the deity, angry at the destruction, decided to avoid them.

Shiva disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) and roamed the Garhwal Himalayas. When the Pandavas spotted him, the bull dived into the ground to disappear. It is believed that different parts of his body appeared at five distinct places in the region, which came to be known as the Panch Kedar temples:

1. Kedarnath – Hump of the bull
2. Tungnath – Arms
3. Rudranath – Face
4. Madhyamaheshwar – Navel
5. Kalpeshwar – Hair

Tungnath, meaning “Lord of the Peaks,” is where the arms of Shiva manifested. The Pandavas built a temple here to worship him, establishing Tungnath as one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.

Spiritual Importance

Tungnath holds immense significance not only for devotees of Lord Shiva but also for seekers of peace and self-discovery. Being part of the Panch Kedar, visiting Tungnath is considered a step toward absolution of sins. The temple’s high-altitude setting symbolizes closeness to the heavens, and pilgrims often speak of an unexplainable sense of calm here.

The Highest Shiva Temple in the World

At 3,680 meters (12,073 ft), Tungnath is officially the highest Shiva temple globally. Despite its elevation, the trek to Tungnath is relatively short — just 5 km from Chopta — making it one of the most accessible high-altitude shrines in the Himalayas.

This unique combination of spiritual grandeur and trekking ease has made Tungnath popular among both devotees and adventure lovers.

Architecture – Simple Yet Majestic

Built in traditional Nagari style, Tungnath Temple is a small but sturdy stone structure. The temple walls are made of stacked stones without mortar, showcasing the skill of ancient craftsmen. Inside, the sanctum houses a black stone Shivalinga — believed to be the manifestation of Shiva’s arms.

Surrounding the main shrine are smaller temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati and other deities. Despite its modest size, the temple radiates an aura of ancient sanctity.

Opening & Closing Dates

Due to heavy snowfall, Tungnath remains open only for about six months each year.

• Opening Date: Late April or early May, usually on Akshaya Tritiya.
• Closing Date: Late October or early November, soon after Diwali.

The exact dates vary yearly and are determined by the temple committee based on the Hindu calendar.

The Winter Tradition – Doli Shifting Ceremony

When winter arrives and the temple closes, a beautiful tradition unfolds. The Utsav Doli (palanquin) carrying the idol of Lord Tungnath is brought down from the temple to Mukumath Temple near Ukhimath.

Here, rituals continue for six months, allowing devotees to worship the deity even when Tungnath is buried under snow. The procession is accompanied by villagers singing devotional songs, beating drums, and offering prayers — turning it into a moving festival of faith.

Trekking to Tungnath – The Journey

• Starting Point: Chopta
• Distance: 5 km (one way)
• Trek Duration: 3–4 hours ascent, 2–3 hours descent
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Altitude Gain: From ~2,600 m (Chopta) to 3,680 m (Tungnath)

The trail begins with gentle slopes through pine and rhododendron forests, followed by stone-paved pathways winding through alpine meadows. Along the way, you’ll spot the majestic Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Kedarnath peaks.

Chandrashila Peak – Beyond Tungnath

From Tungnath, a further 1.5 km steep climb leads to Chandrashila Peak (4,000 meters). The summit offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas. Mythology says that Lord Rama meditated here after defeating Ravana, and the place is considered charged with spiritual energy.

Travel Tips

1. Start your trek early in the morning for the best views.
2. Carry warm clothes even in summer — mountain weather changes quickly.
3. Stay hydrated and carry snacks; limited stalls are available on the trail.
4. Respect temple customs — modest clothing is recommended.
5. Spend a night in Chopta for acclimatization before trekking.

Nearby Attractions

• Deoria Tal: A crystal-clear lake reflecting the Chaukhamba peaks.
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to musk deer, monals, and rare Himalayan flora.
• Ukhimath: Winter seat of Kedarnath and Tungnath deities.
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple: Another Panch Kedar site with stunning alpine settings.

Why Tungnath is Unforgettable

Tungnath is not just a temple — it’s a journey into the heart of devotion and the majesty of the Himalayas. Whether you visit to seek blessings, to enjoy the trek, or to stand in awe of the peaks, Tungnath leaves a lasting impression.

The silence here isn’t empty; it’s filled with the whispers of legends, the prayers of pilgrims, and the eternal presence of Shiva.