This is the Highest Shiva Temple in the World
Having more than 2 million Hindu Temples, India needs no introduction when it comes to spirituality. In Hinduism, Shiva is known as the “creator and the destroyer”. There are 108 different names of Shiva. A few of them are- Mahadeva, Rudra, Shambhu, Shankara, Neelakanta, and Trilochana.
There are 108 major Shiva Temples in the country including 12 major Jyotirlingas namely Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Somnath (Gujarat), Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), and more. But do you know about the highest Shiva Temple in the whole world?
Nestled in Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand, Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva Temple on earth, elevated at 3,470 m (11,385 ft) above sea level. Tungnath Temple is also a part of Uttarakhand’s Panch Kedar Yatra that includes 5 revered Shiva Temples of Uttaranchal namely- Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar, Kedarnath, and Tungnath itself.
Interesting Fact: Legend has it that this 1000 years old (atleast) Hindu Temple was constructed by Pandavas after the epic war of Kurukshetra.
How to Reach Tungnath Temple?
Tungnath is popular among trekkers and hikers as this place has got some surreal views and picturesque sightings from the summit. There is no road accessibility to Tungnath temple and travelers start their trek from Chopta- the “Mini Switzerland of India”.
You can reach Chopta by a private taxi that you can either hire from any Uttarakhand’s local travel agent, or from any reputed tour operator like Travelodesk. You can also travel on the bus which plies from Haridwar/Rishikesh Bus Stand till Rudraprayag.
From there, you need to book a tourist cab to proceed with your journey to Chopta. A 4 km trek from Chopta will lead you to Tungnath Temple. You can also hire a Local Tour Guide if you want. Chanting the Shiva Mantras on the way, it immensely feels divine to reach the summit with your group.
Plan a Chopta-Tungnath Tour in the summer season from the May month as the temple remains closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. Avoid trekking during the monsoon days to avoid landslide experiences.
Undoubtedly, it feels heavenly and awe-inspiring after exploring this gem of Uttarakhand, the Land of the Gods.
