Holy Panch Kedar Shiva Temple of Uttarakhand

The state of Uttarakhand is called Devbhoomi means the land of the Gods. There are many famous temples in this state, some of them have Panch Kedar dedicated to Lord Shiva. Panch Kedar includes Kedarnath, Rudranath, Tungnath, Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar Temple. All these Panch Kedar temples are located in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. It is believed that these Panch Kedar temples were constructed by the Pandavas, the hero of the Mahabharata. All these temples are not connected by road, but you have to go through the trek to reach these temples. All these temples are built on the high heights of the mountains. In all these temples of five Kedar, different parts of Lord Shiva's body is worshipped. Therefore these temples are known as Panch Kedars of Uttarakhand.

First Kedar is Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple in the Himalaya lap in Uttarakhand is one of the four Dham and Panch Kedar of Uttarakhand, with the participation of 12 Jyotirling of India. This is Lord Shiva's most famous and huge temple. In Kedarnath temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the shape-pind of the bull's back. This temple is built by adding huge stone blocks of cut stones. It is believed that Pandavas wanted to get rid of the sin of the killing of the brothers in the battle of Mahabharata. For this, he wanted to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. For this, he reached Kedarnath in search of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva did not want to darshan the Pandavas, and they took the form of bulls. In the end, Lord Shiva was pleased with Pandavas and blessed them. From that moment onwards, Lord Shiva is worshipped in Kedarnath dham as the shape-pind of the bull's back.

Second Kedar is Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples located in Tonganath mountain range in Uttarakhand. This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of "Panchkedar". At the entrance of the temple is the idol of Nandi Bull, the ultimate devotee of Lord Shiva built. The architecture of this temple is built from the northern Indian style and there are several small temples of many deities around the temple. Walking to reach this temple is a walk. It is believed that this temple was built by Pandavas to glad Lord Shiva. In Tungnath temple, the arms of Lord Shiva are worshipped.

Third Kedar is Rudranath Temple

Rudranath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand. This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of "Panchkedar". This temple is made of natural stones. From Saggar village walking to reach this temple is a walk. Saggar village is 5 km away from Gopeshwar, from where Rudranath has to climb a vertical climb. Rudranath temple is worshipped in the face of Lord Shiva, hence the Rudranath temple is also called 'Rudrammukh'. Rudranath temple comes in third place in Panch Kedar pilgrimage.

Forth Kedar is Madmaheshwar Temple

Madmaheshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand. Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of "Panchkedar". This temple is the fourth temple in Panch Kedar pilgrimages. Madmaheshwar temple is worshipped in the navel of Lord Shiva. In the temple, a navel-shaped Shiva-Lingam made of black stone is situated in this holy place. This temple architecture is built from the North Indian style. This temple is believed to be built by Pandavas. The temple can be reached by trekking.

Fifth Kedar is Kalpeshwar Temple

Kalpeshwar Temple is a Hindu temple in Uttarakhand dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kalpeshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand. This temple is worshipped by Lord Shiva's embroiled hairs or "Jata". In this temple, Lord Shiva's self-made "Jata" (hairs) are in the form of a raised Shila. This temple comes in fifth place in the "Panchkadar" pilgrimages. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of "Panchkedar". According to the Puranas, Rishi Durvasha had performed penance at this place under the Kalpavriksha, since then this place was called Kalpeshwar. The temple can be reached by trekking.