A Guide To Travelling World’s Highest Shiva Temple.
Lord Shiva is considered the Creator, Protector, and Destroyer of the Universe according to the Hindu Mythology.
There are Numerous Temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva, All of them carry their own significance and relevance which is being praised since ancient times, But there are a Few Temples that are considered the most sacred and holiest temples of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Shiva himself has blessed these places with his eternal powers.
TUNGNATH TEMPLE
This Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at an altitude of 3,680 m above sea level and covered with Mountains in the Backdrop. It is the Highest Lord Shiva Temple in the World at 12,073 Ft. Tungnath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar Located in India and is believed to be older than 1000 Years. The word TUNGNATH means “Lord Of Peaks”. It is Believed that the Rama after killing Ravana meditated at the Chandrashilla peak which is just above the Tungnath Temple to release himself from the curse of Brahmahatya for killing Ravana.
THE TREK TO TUNGNATH TEMPLE
The Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district in Uttrakhand. The Trek to the Temple is approximately 3.5 Kms long and the difficulty level is considered Easy to Moderate. It can be covered within 3 to 4 hours or even less depending upon the fitness levels of an individual. The trek begins from Chopta (A small town in Rudraprayag district in Uttrakhand). You will witness some of the breathtaking views of the snow-peaked mountains and Bugyal as well. Chopta is the Starting point for the trek where you can easily commute for a night if you are traveling from any far away places and want to acclimatize to the altitude. You will easily find a Homestay, Camps in Chopta, or nearby Places such as Ukimath, and Saari village. It is advisable to get up early morning and leave for the Trek to have a magnificient view of the mountains.
The temple is open during summer season starting from April to October because the region of the temple experiences high snowfall in the winter season which makes it difficult for devotees to reach the temple.
REACHING TO THE TREK LOCATION
You can easily reach to Chopta, via Taxi, Bus or your own vehicle via Roads. The Best route you can follow is once you reach Rishikesh, Uttrakhand after leaving your hometown, you take up a direct bus, Taxi to Chopta which will take approximately 8–9 hours of journey. The next day you can start your trek to Tungnath Temple which will also take approximately 3 hours to reach the temple.
