Tungnath Temple Travel Guide – Location, How to Reach, & Nearby Attractions

This is a Tungnath temple travel guide, therefore, if you are planning to visit Tungnath Dham, this guide can be helpful for you.

Tungnath Dham Overview

Are you in a hurry? Check out the given story.

One of the highest Shiva mandirs in the globe, Tungnath Mandir, is located at a height of 3680 metres in the magnificent Tungnath Hills in the Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand. It belongs to the Panch Kedars and is said to have been from a time period that was about 1000 years ago.

The third Pandava brother, Arjuna, was responsible for laying the temple’s construction. The temple is surrounded by a hundred shrines to numerous gods and was constructed in the northern Indian architectural form.

Various legends are connected to the location, one of which is the story of Lord Ram using devotion to escape the Brahmahatya punishment for executing Ravana.

The position of this breathtaking beauty amid lovely mountainous regions and its significance as a Hindu pilgrimage destination has drawn thousands of individuals from all over the world over the past 5 years.

Suggested Read: Are you planning to visit Haridwar? If you do, you should definitely visit these places in Haridwar to make your trip memorable.

History of Tungnath Temple Uttarakhand

The Pandavas are said to have begun their search for Lord Shiva following the slaying of their relatives in the Kurukshetra War, based on the tale connected to the Tungnath Mandir.

Nevertheless, Lord Shiva was furious at every murder and wished to prevent them, so he transformed into a bull and vanished under the earth, leaving all of his internal organs dispersed around.

The eight-element ashtadhatu, the religious figures Vyas and Kala Bhairav’s monuments, the Shiva worshipers, and the committee lobby are all within it.

Along with pictures of the Pandavas, the area also contains four more Kedar shrines. At the start of the Tungnath hiking trail, a newly constructed arched doorway bearing the signature “Tungnath” marks the entrance to the temple.

Suggested Read: Does Waterfall excite You? If it does, you must visit these waterfalls in Uttarakhand and experience jumping off the cliff with your friends.

Tungnath Temple Architecture

The lavish temple is constructed of stones that have been decorated on the exterior with embellishments that mimic great buildings. On the summit of the tallest dome, which has sixteen apertures as well, is a hardwood stage.

Iterations make up the temple’s ceiling, and a marble statue of Nandi standing opposite the idol of God Shiva is placed at the doorway. On the right flank of the mandir entryway is a statue of Lord Ganesha.

The ashtadhatu, which is made of 8 elements, the statues of the saints Vyas and Kala Bhairav, as well as the Shiva devotees, are all located inside the council lobby. The surroundings also have four additional Kedar temples, in addition to images of the Pandavas.

The inscription “Tungnath” is inscribed on top of a freshly built archway at the beginning of the Tungnath hike trail, designating the entryway to the mandir.

Suggested Read: Are you planning to spend your summer at the hill stations of Uttarakhand? You should definitely include these hill stations in your itinerary.

Interesting Facts about Tungnath Temple Uttarakhand

1. A member of the 5 Panch Kedar mandirs, Tungnath is one of the tallest shrines on the planet devoted to God Shiva and is located in the Rudraprayag area of Uttarakhand.

2. The Tungnath Shrine is a unique geological shrine, which is worth mentioning.

3. There are a few minor shrines devoted to various gods all around the sanctuary.

4. A stone statue of the bull Nandi has been built at the shrine’s entrance.

5. The Shivaling as well as the statues of the goddesses Parvati, Vyas, and Kalbhairav are present in the shrine.

6. Another well-known mediaeval shrine, that of Tungnath, was built in a unique style, particularly in North Indian traditional architecture.

7. Hindu legend states that Arjuna, the 3rd Pandava, constructed the Tungnath shrine and offered prayers to Lord Shiva there.

8. It is particularly significant because the sanctuary portion of the mandir is close to the mountains where devotees adore the famous freestanding black stone, also known as the identity linga.

9. The 3rd week of November is the last week that the public is allowed to visit the Tungnath shrines. The Mandir is open to visitors from April through November, depending on the weather.

10. This magnificent structure is thought to be 1,000 years old.

Suggested Read: Are you in Ranikhet and going to explore it? Make sure to visit these sites in Ranikhet to make your trip more interesting.

Weather and Climate at Tungnath Temple

The opening of the Char Dhams at Uttrakhand in April or May annually around Vaisakh Panchmi, on the day chosen by the Badro Kedar Mandir Authority on Baisakhi, coincides with the opening of the Tungnath Mandir.

Following Diwali, the shrine closes for the winter. During this time, the shrine officials carry the deity’s picture to Mukunath, which is 19 kilometres distant from Tungnath.

Suggested Read: Wanna explore Kausani? Visit these sites in Kausani and make your exploration easier.

How to Reach Tungnath Temple

1. By Road

The urban areas of India are well connected to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Delhi, and Haridwar by public or private buses. Chopta is situated at a distance of 204, 184, and 162 kilometres from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, correspondingly.

From Dehradun and Haridwar, however, Panger township may be reached in 9 and 8 hours, respectively. Panger Valley is approximately a 7-hour drive from Rishikesh.

2. By Train

The closest railway stations to Tungnath are located around 204, 184, and 162 kilometres away from Chopta at Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, respectively. There are several trains that connect the railway station to several cities.

Taxis and buses are available between Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Haridwar to Panger hamlet, close to Chopta, where the journey begins. Immediately outside the train station, there are several taxis and cabs available.

3. By Air

The correct approach via a flight to take to go to Tungnath is through Dehradun. The closest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport, which is located in Dehradun. The 220-kilometre journey from the airfield to Panger hamlet, close to Chopta, requires approximately 9 hours.

Suggested Read: Are you a foodie? You should definitely taste these cuisines of Uttarakhand while visiting there.

Nearby Attractions to Tungnath Temple Uttarakhand

1. Chopta

Locations to Explore Chopta is a quiet, serene hamlet close to Tungnath that is endowed with stunning scenery. It is 2900 metres above sea level where it is located. The location works nicely for hikers. For hikers, it is like heaven.

2. Chandrashila

Every traveller must visit Chandrashila Mountain, which is a popular site. The Chandra Shila trek’s beginning location is known as Tungnath. Huge pine trees line the peak’s perimeter.

3. Sari Village

Sari hamlet, located in Rudraprayag at a height of 6554 feet, is close to Tungnath. It is a rural settlement and the location of Deoria Tal Lake’s campground. Deoria Tal Lake is located in Sari Village and may be reached after a short hike.

Suggested Read: Want to explore Almora as a tourist? Read our travel guide on the best tourist spots in Almora.

Why is Tungnath Mandir famous?

Here, allow us to inform you that this temple rises over 12,000 metres beyond ocean level. As a result, the snow on the hillsides that encircle this shrine is still iced. Despite the fact that there are fewer Shiva worshippers here than at the various Char Dhams, hundreds of them arrive here each year.

The Tungnath shrine is the subject of a tale. It is stated that the Pandavas were charged with murdering their siblings after winning the Mahabharata battle. The Pandavas desired to purge the sin of brotherly homicide in such a circumstance. It was very important to get Lord Shankar’s permission for this, but Lord Shiva was unwilling to grant the Pandavas’ wishes.

Suggested Read: Want to explore Nainital as a tourist? Read our travel blog on the best tourist sites in Nainital to enjoy your journey perfectly.

FAQs – Tungnath Temple Travel Guide

Suggested Read: Want to explore Mussoorie as a tourist? Read our travel guide on the best tourist sites in Mussoorie to explore it in a better way.

Watch Video on Tungnath Temple Travel Guide