Rudranath Temple: The Ultimate Guide

Rudranath Temple is one of the five Panch Kedar temples in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of his face (Ekanan). The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,550 meters above sea level, surrounded by dense forests of rhododendron dwarfs and alpine pastures.

Rudranath Temple History:

The history of Rudranath Temple is closely linked to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, built the temple after the war of Kurukshetra to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sins they had committed during the war.

One of the most popular versions of the legend states that Lord Shiva was deeply angered by the bloodshed and dishonesty of the Kurukshetra war. He therefore disguised himself as a bull and hid underground. The Pandavas pursued him, but he split his body into five parts and appeared at different locations in the Himalayas. The face of Lord Shiva appeared at Rudranath, the hump at Kedarnath, the arms at Tungnath, the stomach and navel at Madhyamaheshwar, and the hair and head at Kalpeshwar.

The Pandavas built temples at each of these locations to worship Lord Shiva and seek his forgiveness. The Rudranath Temple is therefore one of the five Panch Kedar temples, which are considered to be among the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites.

Another version of the legend states that the Rudranath Temple was built by the Pandavas to worship Lord Shiva in his form as Rudra, the fierce and destructive aspect of the god. Rudra is associated with the elements of fire and wind, and the Rudranath Temple is located in a remote and rugged region of the Himalayas, which is often battered by extreme weather conditions.

The Rudranath Temple is believed to be one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Himalayas. It is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Skanda Purana and the Kedarnath Mahatmya. The temple is also believed to have been visited by many famous Hindu saints and sages, including Adi Shankara and Swami Vivekananda.

Today, the Rudranath Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world. The temple is open to visitors from May to June and September to October. The winter months are too harsh for people to travel to the temple, so it remains closed during that time.

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Legend of Rudranath Temple:

The legend of Rudranath Temple is one of the most captivating and well-known in Hindu mythology. It is believed that the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, came to the Himalayan mountains in search of Lord Shiva to redeem themselves of the sins of killing in the war. Lord Shiva did not want to meet them, so he disguised himself as a bull and disappeared into the ground. The Pandavas followed him, but he reappeared in different parts of the Himalayas. His hump appeared at Kedarnath, his arms at Tungnath, his stomach and navel at Madhyamaheshwar, his face at Rudranath, and his hair and head at Kalpeshwar.

The Pandavas built temples at each of these five places to worship Lord Shiva and to seek his forgiveness. The Rudranath Temple is therefore believed to house the face of Lord Shiva. The main deity of the temple is a Swayambhu Shivalinga, a naturally formed Shivalinga that is said to have appeared on its own. The Shivalinga has a human face carved into it, and it is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva’s face.

The Rudranath Temple is located in a remote and inaccessible part of the Himalayas, at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. It is a challenging trek to reach the temple, but the journey is well worth it for the stunning scenery and the spiritual experience of visiting one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism.

In addition to the main legend of the Pandavas, there are a number of other legends associated with the Rudranath Temple. One legend says that the temple was built by the sage Narada, and another legend says that the temple was visited by the goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort.

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Myths of Rudranath Temple:

• The temple was built by the Pandavas to worship Lord Shiva and seek his forgiveness for the sins they had committed during the Mahabharata war.
• The face of Lord Shiva reappeared at Rudranath after he disguised himself as a bull and disappeared into the ground.
• The Rudranath Temple is the place where Lord Shiva performed the Rudra Tandava, his cosmic dance of destruction and creation.
• Offering a pind to ancestors at the Rudranath Temple is equivalent to offering a hundred million pinds at the holy city of Gaya.

Significance of Rudranath Temple:

• Religious Significance: Rudranath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva resides in his most powerful form. Devotees from all over India come to Rudranath to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and to atone for their sins.
• Spiritual Significance: Rudranath Temple is a place of great spiritual significance. The serene and beautiful surroundings of the temple create a perfect atmosphere for meditation and contemplation. Many pilgrims visit Rudranath to undertake spiritual retreats and to deepen their connection with Lord Shiva.
• Cultural Significance: Rudranath Temple is an important part of Hindu culture and heritage. It has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, and has been visited by many famous saints and scholars. The temple is also a center of traditional Hindu art and architecture.
• Natural Significance: Rudranath Temple is located in a stunningly beautiful natural setting. The temple is surrounded by lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes. The area is also home to a variety of rare and endangered wildlife.

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Specialty of Rudranath Temple:

• The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest Shiva temples in the world.
• The temple is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and alpine meadows.
• The temple is home to a naturally formed stone lingam, which is said to be self-manifested.
• The temple is believed to be one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the world, and is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year.
• Rudranath Temple is also a popular trekking destination, offering visitors the opportunity to combine a spiritual pilgrimage with an adventurous trek through the Himalayas.

Rudranath Trek:

The Rudranath Temple trek is a challenging but rewarding journey to one of the five Panch Kedar temples in the Garhwal Himalayas. The trek starts from the village of Sagar, which is located about 5 km from Gopeshwar. The trail winds its way through dense forests, meadows, and steep climbs before reaching the temple, which is situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters.

The trek is usually completed in 3-4 days, depending on the pace of the trekker. The first day is a relatively easy hike to the village of Panar, which is located at an altitude of 2,286 meters. On the second day, the trek ascends to the Naola Pass, which is located at an altitude of 3,305 meters. The third day is a short hike to the Rudranath Temple.

The Rudranath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration. The temple is built in a traditional Himalayan style, with a sloping roof and a wooden facade. The interior of the temple is adorned with beautiful carvings and paintings.

The Rudranath Temple trek is a great way to experience the beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas and the spirituality of Hindu pilgrimage. The trek is challenging, but it is also rewarding, and it is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

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Here are some tips for planning your Rudranath Temple trek:

• The best time to trek to Rudranath is during the summer months (May-June or September-October). The weather is mild during these months, and the trails are less crowded.
• Make sure you are physically fit before you attempt the trek. The trek is challenging, and it is important to be able to hike for several hours a day.
• Pack the right gear. You will need comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Hire a guide or porter. A guide can help you navigate the trail and ensure that you are safe.

Places to visit near Rudranath Temple:

Madhyamaheshwar Temple: This temple is another of the Panch Kedar and is situated in picturesque surroundings. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reached through a trek from Ukhimath.

Kalpeshwar Temple: It is one of the Panch Kedar and is known for its unique stone Shiva Lingam. The temple is reachable by a trek and is surrounded by lush greenery.

Chopta: Often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland” of Uttarakhand, Chopta is a beautiful hill station and a base for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila. The views of the Himalayas from here are breathtaking.

Tungnath Temple: Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is one of the Panch Kedar. It’s a trekking destination and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.

Deoria Tal: A pristine mountain lake surrounded by lush green meadows, Deoria Tal offers stunning reflections of the Chaukhamba range in its clear waters. It can be reached through a trek from Sari village.

Kedarnath: Kedarnath, another important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, is not far from Rudranath. The Kedarnath Temple, situated at a high altitude, is part of the Char Dham Yatra.

Gaurikund: This is the base for the trek to Kedarnath and is also known for its thermal springs. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the hot water springs before proceeding to Kedarnath.

Guptkashi: Another significant town on the way to Kedarnath, Guptkashi has ancient temples and is a stopover point for pilgrims.

Agastyamuni: Located on the banks of the Mandakini River, Agastyamuni is known for its ancient Agasteshwar Temple and the tranquil environment.

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FAQ:

Where is Rudranath Temple located?

Rudranath Temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is the fourth of the five temples in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level, in a remote and beautiful valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

What are the opening and closing dates of Rudranath Temple?

Rudranath Temple is open from May to November. It closes during the winter months from December to April due to heavy snowfall.

Which part of Shiva is in Rudranath?

According to Hindu mythology, the face of Lord Shiva is worshipped at Rudranath Temple. This is why the temple is also known as Mukh Kedarnath, or Kedarnath of the Face.

When should I visit Rudranath?

The best time to visit Rudranath Temple is from May to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and sunny, with clear skies and mild temperatures. This makes it ideal for trekking to the temple and exploring the surrounding area.

The monsoon season in Rudranath runs from July to September, and the temple is closed during the winter months from November to April due to heavy snowfall.

Why is Rudranath famous?

• It is one of the five temples in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage circuits.
• It is believed that Rudranath is the place where the face of Lord Shiva is worshipped.
• The temple is located in a remote and beautiful setting in the Garhwal Himalayas, and the trek to the temple is challenging and rewarding.
• Rudranath is a popular destination for both pilgrims and nature lovers.

Can we stay in Rudranath?

Yes, you can stay in Rudranath, but the options are limited. There is a simple accommodation maintained by the Mandir Committee, and there are also a few homestays. However, it is important to note that Rudranath is a remote location, and the accommodation is basic. There are also no restaurants or dhabas in Rudranath, so you will need to bring your own food.

Why Rudranath is difficult?

• Altitude: The trek to Rudranath Temple involves a significant gain in altitude, from about 1,000 meters to 3,600 meters above sea level. This can cause altitude sickness in some people, especially those who are not used to high altitudes.
• Terrain: The terrain on the trek to Rudranath is rugged and challenging. There are steep climbs and descents, as well as sections of rocky and uneven ground.
• Remoteness: Rudranath is located in a remote area of the Himalayas, and the trek to the temple is not well-developed. This means that there are limited resources and support available along the way.
• Weather: The weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and the trek to Rudranath is no exception. Trekkers should be prepared for all types of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and cold temperatures.

How can I reach Rudranath Temple?

There are three main trekking routes to Rudranath Temple:

• The Sagar Route: This is the most popular route, and it starts from the village of Sagar, which is located about 20 kilometers from Rudranath. The trek takes about three days to complete.
• The Helang Route: This route starts from the village of Helang, which is located about 30 kilometers from Rudranath. The trek takes about four days to complete.
• The Urgam Route: This route starts from the village of Urgam, which is located about 40 kilometers from Rudranath. The trek takes about five days to complete.

What are the things to see and do in Rudranath?

In addition to visiting the Rudranath Temple, there are a number of other things to see and do in the area. These include:

• Hiking and trekking: There are a number of hiking and trekking trails in the area, including the Rudranath-Madhyamaheshwar trek, which is a popular option for experienced trekkers.
• Camping: There are a number of camping sites in the area, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Birdwatching: The area is home to a variety of birds, including the Himalayan monal, the snowcock, and the black eagle.

What are the things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Rudranath?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Rudranath:

• The weather in the area can be unpredictable, so it is important to pack for all types of conditions.
• The trek to Rudranath is challenging, so it is important to be in good physical condition.
• It is important to get permission from the local authorities before embarking on the trek.

What is the dress code for Rudranath Temple?

The dress code for Rudranath Temple is modest. Men should wear pants and a shirt, and women should wear a skirt or dress that covers the knees.

What are the offerings that can be made at Rudranath Temple?

The most common offerings made at Rudranath Temple are flowers, incense, and sweets.

What are the festivals that are celebrated at Rudranath Temple?

The main festivals celebrated at Rudranath Temple are Mahashivratri, Shivratri, and Kartik Purnima.

How to reach Rudranath Temple:

By Air:

1. Nearest Airport:
   • The nearest airport to Rudranath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
   • From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the town of Gopeshwar.

By Train:

1. Nearest Railway Station:
   • The nearest major railway station is Rishikesh or Haridwar.
   • From these railway stations, you can proceed to Gopeshwar by bus or taxi.

By Road:

1. Reaching Gopeshwar:
   • Gopeshwar is the base for the trek to Rudranath.
   • You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun to reach Gopeshwar.
2. Gopeshwar to Sagar Village:
   • From Gopeshwar, you need to travel to Sagar Village, which is the starting point of the trek to Rudranath.
   • You can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Sagar Village.
3. Trekking to Rudranath:
   • The trek from Sagar Village to Rudranath is approximately 20 km.
   • The trek involves passing through dense forests, meadows, and small villages.
   • The route is well-marked, and you may also consider hiring a local guide for assistance.

Trekking Route:

1. Sagar Village to Panar Bugyal:
   • The initial part of the trek goes through beautiful meadows called Panar Bugyal.
2. Panar Bugyal to Rudranath:
   • After crossing Panar Bugyal, you will reach Rudranath Temple.
   • The temple is located in a serene and picturesque setting.

Tips:

• Weather Conditions:
  • Be aware of the weather conditions, as the region experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months.
• Permits:
  • Check if any permits are required for trekking in the area.
• Guides and Porters:
  • It’s advisable to hire local guides and porters for assistance during the trek.
• Physical Fitness:
  • The trek is of moderate difficulty, and it’s essential to be in good physical condition.

Fore any query you may visit Official Uttarakhand Tourism portal.

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