What is Panch Kedar Yatra?

Panch Kedar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to five revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. These five temples—Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar—are deeply connected to the legend of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. The Yatra is significant for devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings from Lord Shiva.

According to mythology, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for their sins. However, Lord Shiva, angered by the war, disguised himself as a bull and disappeared into the Himalayas. The five parts of his body are believed to have appeared at different locations, forming the five Panch Kedar temples.

History and Mythology of Panch Kedar

The history of Panch Kedar dates back thousands of years, with deep roots in Hindu mythology. The great sage Ved Vyas is believed to have narrated the significance of these temples in the Skanda Purana. Each temple represents a different manifestation of Lord Shiva:

1. Kedarnath: The hump of Lord Shiva appeared here. It is the most prominent of the five and is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra.
2. Tungnath: The arms of Lord Shiva are worshipped here. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of 3,680 meters.
3. Rudranath: The face of Lord Shiva is worshipped here in a natural rock formation.
4. Madhyamaheshwar: The navel of Lord Shiva is revered here, situated in a picturesque valley.
5. Kalpeshwar: The matted locks (Jata) of Lord Shiva are worshipped here. It is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year.

Panch Kedar Travel Information

Panch Kedar is a challenging pilgrimage due to its remote location and trekking routes. However, it is a spiritually fulfilling journey through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

Nearest Town: Ukhimath serves as the main base for the Panch Kedar pilgrimage.

Best Time to Visit: May to October (summer and post-monsoon season). The temples remain closed in winter due to heavy snowfall, except for Kalpeshwar.

Precautions: Due to high-altitude trekking, pilgrims should carry warm clothing, stay hydrated, and acclimatize properly.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 220 km from Kedarnath, the first temple of the yatra.

By Train:

• The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 200 km away.
• From Rishikesh, one can take buses or taxis to reach the base points of the temples.

By Road:

• Panch Kedar temples are accessible via road and trekking routes.
• Regular buses and taxis are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to major trekking points like Gaurikund (for Kedarnath) and Chopta (for Tungnath).

Panch Kedar Temple Timings

• Opening Time: 4:30 AM

• Closing Time: 9:00 PM

• The temple remains closed from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for afternoon rituals.