Rudranath-Face of Shiva

Among the five Panchkedar Rudranath is the fourth Shrine. First shrine is Kedarnath (11,785 ft), second Madmaheshwar (11,474ft), third is Tungnath (12,074), fourth is Rudranath, and the fifth one is Kalpnath (6000ft).These places associated with many myths and have their own story. There is a legend that in these places different body parts of the Lord Shiva appeared. There are two routes for Rudranath one is from Joshimath which is 45 Km trek route, and other is from village Sagar. Sagar is a small Village, 4km from Gopeshwar; from where 20 km trek route leads to Rudranath (11670ft). Starting 10 km is adventurous. Thick woods full of flora and founa, river, lakes, streams and orchid are attractive. After 10km woods change into meadows and it look like green sheet with full of flowers. There are hundred of flower varieties which you could not see to other place. These flowers blooms in the month of May June and shed in the month October. This beautiful place is known as Panar (10000ft). After 10 km passing by Narad Kund and dharmshalas, one reach to temple Rudranath. Here is the oldest stone statue of Lord Shiva, in which he is sitting with a tilt neck. No one can define the beauty of Rudranath. Near the temple there is a River Vaitarn i-The 'Water of Salvation' and also number of holy kunds Name Suryakunda, Chandrakund, and Tarakund etc. From here magnificent view of Hathi parvat, Nandadevi, Trishul and others is visible. There is a small lodge on the way of temple. Tourist can stay, there or they have to arrange tents for accommodation and eatables by themselves. Heavy woolen clothes, Sleeping bag, Torch, medicines are the things one must have. September and October are the best season to travel here.