TungNath-Arms of Shiva

Tungnath is situated 13072 ft by the sea level. This temple is the highest Shiva temple of Uttaranchal. This pilgrim place is attractive tourist place. Although this place is on high altitude but it is early and easily accessible, any one can reach here; age and health is not a big hurdle. There is a legend behind this temple is that after Mahabharata battle Pandavas were searching Lord Shiva to get rid of the sin of killing their brothers but lord Shiva didn’t want to meet them. Once Pandavas reach Kedarnath in search of Lord Shiva by seeing them lord Shiva Incarnated himself as bull, but Bhima recognized him and tried to catch him but Shiva refuge himself underground and later his body parts appeared in different places. Head to Pashupatinath, hump to Kedarnath, Arms to Tungnath, face to Rudranath and hair lock to Kalpnath. ungnath trek route is approximately 4km start from
Chopta (Gopeshwar-Ukhimath road).This trek route is occupied with dense forest. Tungnath is 50 feet high Ancient temple.There is Shiva's ling which is 1 feet tall and slightly bent to the North known as arm of Shiva. Along with Lingam there is idol of Veda Vyas, Adishankracharya and Kal bhairav.when we straight climb about one and half km far from the temple there is hill top called Chandrashila this is known as meditation place of Chandra (moon).Beside to Tungnath there is a mount which is smaller than this is called Ravan Shilla, it is believed that Ravana devouted here. Tourist while climbing pile up the small stone in shape of small temple to regard their ancestors. From here one can see Wide range of the Himalayas.Chaukhamba(25000 foot)look near and touchable.There is proper facility for accomodation in chopta and Tungnath.G.M. V. N. has made some small lodges which looks realy beautiful.tourist who visit here go with sweet memories.

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.

Temples in Uttarakhand

Address === Badrinath
State === Uttaranchal
Location === Near Joshimath
Altitude === 10279 M
Construction Year === 9 Cen AD
Costructed By === Adi Shankaracharya
Construction Type === Temple There are 15 idols in the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone
Building Type === Temple
Temple Managed By === Badrinath-Kedarnath Mandir Samiti
Official Website === badrinath-kedarnath.org
Dedicated To === Lord Vishnu Religion Hindu
Importance === This is among the Char Dhams of Hindus founded by Adi Shankaracharya Famous For There is a myth that when the Holy Ganga was requested to come over to earth help anguish humanity, the earth was unable to bear the strength of it crash. Therefore the great Ganga was dived into twelve holy channels.Alaknanda was one of them which later become the seat of lord Vishnu or Badrinath.
Festival === Mata Murti Ka Mela,Badri Kedar Festival
Best Time === April-May
Opening Schedule === April to October
Accomodation === Tourist guest houses and lots of Dharamshalas are here for night stay.
Accesibility === Nearest airport and railway station is at Rishikesh which is approximately 300 KMs from this place.
Near By Cities === Joshimath
Other Places === Hemkund Sahib, Satopanth, Vasudhara

More information on other temples is available on www.badrikedar.com