History:

is the highest Shiva temple in the world and it is situated at an altitude of 3680 metres above sea level. It is located in the ranges of the Chandrashila mountain in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This temple is a part of the Panch Kedar which is a famous pilgrimage spot and is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is also referred to as Sikhar Dwar, which means tip of a peak because of its location on the highest peak in the region. The temple is believed to have been built by the great Hindu sage and philosopher, Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 8th century as a tribute to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva had resided in the Tungnath temple after hearing about the worship of Lord Vishnu by the Pandavas at the Kedarnath temple. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas had also established this temple and had set up their penance to get rid of the sin of killing their brothers in the Mahabharata war. The temple was originally built in a simple style but was later reconstructed and painted with intricate designs and drawings. The temple is divided into two sections, each having its own entrance. The entrance to the inner section has a long staircase, and the entrance to the outer section has a set of 11 steps. The inner section leads to the sanctum sanctorum, and the outer section leads to the four-part chamber known as the “garbhagriha”. The temple is constructed out of stones and bricks and is painted with intricate designs. The temple has an icon of Shiva, also known as the “Linga”, which is worshipped by devotees. The temple also has various festivals throughout the year like the ‘Maha Shivaratri’, the ‘Chandrashila Trek’, and the ‘Chhurikhai Festival’. The grand festival of ‘Chandrashila Trek’ is celebrated in memory of the Pandavas and this comprises a journey to the top of the Chandrashila peak which is located at an altitude of 4500 metres. Thousands of devotees visit the temple during this grand festival to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. It is one of the best temple in Uttarakhand which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Tungnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,680m, is one of the highest Hindu temples in the world. 2. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest temple among the five Panch Kedar temples located in the mountain range of Tungnath. 3. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of a 'lingam' of fire. 4. The temple is said to be over 1000 years old and was built by a Pandava prince during the Mahabharata period. 5. It is also believed that this is the place where Arjuna, one of the five Pandavas, did penance and worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a parch bull. 6. Tungnath is accessible only via a steep 9 km trek from Chopta. 7. It is believed that a pilgrimage to this temple helps one achieving Moksha (salvation). 8. The temple is open from April to November and during Maha Shivratri, the great festival of Lord Shiva, a fair is held here. Here are some facts about the Uttarakhand temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Uttarakhand

Worship Method:

The worship at Tungnath temple in Uttarakhand can be done as per the Shaiva Agama literature. The worshiping is done in two forms of Sandhya Arti (evening worship) and Dharma Arti (worship during day time). As per the tradition of Shaiva Agama the Rudrabhishek (ablution to Shiva) is performed using five products of nature that include water, milk, curd, ghee and honey. This should be followed by reciting of various mantras, aartis, havans, etc. After that, the offering of prasad is made. By offering bel leaves, flowers and fruits the devotees seek for the blessings of Lord Shiva. Puja activities are also performed by singing hymns and mantras in devotion. Along with this, special reverence is shown to Lord Shiva in the form of Jagar prayers throughout the night. This most visited temple in Uttarakhand

Opening Timing:

The Tungnath Temple in Uttarakhand opens at 6:00 am every day and closes at 7:00 pm every day. top temples in Uttarakhand

How to reach:

Tungnath Temple is located in Uttarakhand, India. By Air: The nearest airport to Tungnath Temple is the Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun, which is approximately 220 km away from the temple. By Train: The nearest railway station to Tungnath Temple is Rishikesh Railway Station, located at a distance of approximately 180 km. By Road: The route from major cities to Tungnath Temple is as follows- Delhi-Dehradun-Chandrapuri-Gantuk-Purola-Rudraprayag-Ukhimath-Chopta-Tungnath. The total distance from Delhi to Tungnath is around 306 km. There are regular buses from Delhi to Rishikesh and Dehradun. From there, one can easily take a local bus or hire a taxi up to the temple. famous temples in Uttarakhand