Panch Kedar: Five Sacred Shrines of the Himalayas

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The Garhwal region of Uttarakhand houses the Panch Kedar temples—Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath—dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath

Perched at 3,584 m in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, hosting a conical Shiva lingam symbolizing Lord Shiva's hump.

Tungnath

Known as one of the highest Shiva temples at 3,680 m. Lord Shiva's arms are said to have appear here.

Tungnath

Is reached through a 4 km moderate trek from Chopta, boasting views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Chowkhamba, and Neelkanth.

Rudranath

Set at 2,286 m, worships Lord Shiva as 'Neelkanth Mahadev' marking the site where his face emerged from the ground.

Rudranath

With various sacred kunds around it. Accessible via several trek routes, it's a revered shrine in the region.

Madmaheshwar

Situated at the height of about 3,289 m. Madhmaheshwar temple symbolizes Lord Shiva's navel.

Madmaheshwar

Embraced by the stunning Mansoona valley with vistas of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Neelkantha.

Kalpeshwar

Kalpeshwar, the last temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, honors Lord Shiva's matted hair and remains accessible year-round.

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