Tunganath Temple

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Overview

Tungnath is the most noteworthy sanctuary (ie arranged in most elevated height : just beneath the pinnacle Chandrashila) on the planet and is one of the five and the most astounding Panch Kedar sanctuaries situated in the mountain scope of Tunganath in Rudraprayag area of Tehri Garhwal, in Uttarakhand. The Tunganath (Tunga : high , Nath : master) mountains frame the Mandakini and Alaknanda waterway valleys.
For the most part it is endeavoured after Kedarnath. Tunganath (3680 mtrs) is not hard in light of the fact that it’s a 3Km trek from Chopta. Be that as it may, the elevation can incur significant damage on novices and elderly, and the trip is steep and not to be mess with. The sanctuary is known for its astounding structural magnificence that advances its masterful plans which are around 1000 years of age.

About The Temple

It is an old sanctuary constructed in the North Indian style of sanctuary engineering. It is little in size and can scarcely oblige ten individuals in the sanctum. Encompassing this sanctuary, there are various little hallowed places (around twelve) of a few divine beings. The sanctum part of the sanctuary adjoins the slopes where the consecrated standing dark rock (swayambu or self-show linga) with tilt to one side, of 1 ft (0.3 m) stature, meaning the type of arms of Lord Shiva is revered. The development of this sanctuary is credited to Arjuna, the third of the Pandava siblings, who likewise worshiped here.
Exactly at the passage, toward the end of the trek way to the sanctuary, there is a portal with name Tungnath painted on the highest point of the curve, which is of late development. A signage at the door passageway offers separation to the sanctuary as 4 km (2.5 mi) furthermore expresses that pioneers not able to attempt the trek could leave their gifts in the case (kept by the entryway).
The engineering configuration of the sanctuary is like the sanctuaries at Guptakashi, Madhyamaheshwar and Kedarnath. The sanctuaries inside the nook are made of stones with embellishments painted on the outside and they portray tall towers. The most noteworthy arch has a wooden stage at the top. The arch has sixteen openings (envisioned). The sanctuary rooftops are likewise made of stone chunks. At the passageway to the sanctuary there is a Nandi stone picture confronting towards the sanctum where Shiva's godlike object is idolized. The Nandi's flank is ordinarily purified for worship with blossoms and with three lines (tripundra) in yellow clay, with an imprint signifying Shiva's third eye, which is typical to Shiva's devotees. At the privilege of the sanctuary passage there is the required picture of Ganesha. In the principle sanctum, ashtadhatu (made of eight metals) icons of sageVyas and Kala Bhairav (demi-god), followers of Shiva, are additionally introduced in the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctuary additionally houses the pictures of the Pandavas and silver plaques of other four Kedar holy places.
Among the littler places of worship, the focal sanctuary is of goddess Parvati, Shiva's consort. Away to the far in that spot is a gathering of five little places of worship committed to the Panch Kedar, which incorporate Tungnath likewise as one of the Panch Kedar, notwithstanding the fundamental Tunganath sanctuary.
Close to the Akash Ganga water fall, near Tungnath, a sanctuary to Nanda Devi is situated to indicate that it is plummeting from paradise. A 2.5 ft (0.8 m) statue of Adi GuruShankaracharya is introduced by the primary god of Shiva.

About The Deity

The sanctuary is gladly committed to Lord Shiva and it likewise comprises of couple of icons of goddess Parvati and different divine beings and goddesses can likewise be found in the premises.

Legend and Stories

The sanctuary was principally found by Adi Shankaracharya and at present a neighbourhood Brahmin of Maku town is the cleric at administration. The fanciful story of the Tunganath sanctuary is in relationship with the epic Mahabharata. Vyas rishi said to have told the pandavas that they were liable for executing their own siblings in the war and the wrongdoing that they have made will be pardoned just if master Shiva excuse them. The quest for ruler Shiva started by the pandavas and Lord Shiva chose to dodge them. Keeping in mind the end goal to maintain a strategic distance from the Pandavas, Lord Shiva masked himself as a strong bull and took shield underground. In this manner, the spots where the parts of bulls are found are planned into a Shiva sanctuary. Moreover, Tunganath sanctuary is said to have risen as the bull's hand was found in there.

Best Time to Visit

It is forbidden in winter in light of snow accumulation, furthermore the exemplification of shiva is brought down to the town at the foothills named Makku. So it’s great to go there in summer and pre-monsoon, but in post-storm the area streets gets to be insecure and inclined to avalanches.

Accessibility

One can access Tungnath from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Chamoli, either by bus or taxi/car etc., on to Chopta, the base camp for actual trekking to Tungnath. Another approach can be via Ukhimath and Doggalbitta on the Badri-Kedar route. From Chopta a picturesque 3.5 km trek up 3000 ft, reach the Shrine.

Airport

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is at a distance of 221kms.

Railways

The nearest statopm is at Rishikesh which is 202kms away from Chopta on NH58. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. It is well connected to Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities.

Road

Chopta is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttrakhand state and Chopta is situated on the road connecting Guptkashi with Gopeshwar.

Temple Address