Chandrashila:
Chandrahsila is the crest above the Tungnath temple. The word Chandrshila means “moon rock”. It is situated at a height of about 3690 meters (12,110 ft) above sea level. This mountaintop provides a view of the Himalayas, including Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhhamba peaks.
There are many various legends connected with this place. One of the well-known legends of this place is that this is the place where Hindu Lord Shree Rama (king of Ayodhya) mediated after defeating demon King Ravana. Another legend of Chandrashila says that the moon god Chandra spends time here in penance.
Trekking:-
Chandrashila treks are one of the most famous treks among Indian trek fanatics. The distance of the treks to the crest is 5km. The trekking course starts from Chopta and takes one to Tungnath, from there it is a kilometer-long and straight trek. Even so, the trek distance is shorter but the precipitous climbing makes this trek rigorous.
Tungnath Temple:-
There are five Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand which is known as Panch Kedar. The third of them is the Kedar Tungnath temple. This temple was built thousands of years ago by the Pandavas (Tungnath Mahadev) during the time of Mahabharata. Tungnath temple is the temple of Lord Shiva on the Himalayan hills between the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini.
If you want a mix of adventure as well as religious travels, then definitely come to the Tungnath Mahadev mandir via the Tungnath temple. There is the famous Chandrashila hill above the Tungnath temple, which is related to Lord Shri Ram. today we will discuss detailed information about the history & mythology, why the temple is famous, how to reach it, etc.
History and Mythology:-
Tungnath temple
State – Uttarakhand
District- Rudraprayag
Dedicated to – Lord Shiva
Tungnath temple was established thousands of years ago this is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is also one of the highest among the Panch Kedar temple. It is situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand in the Himalayan range of Tungnath in the Rudraprayag district. The name of the temple that temple is taken as tung meaning “weapon” and Nath symbolizes “Lord Shiva”. The temple has a considerable connection with the Mahabharata hero Pandava. The locality of the temple is so that it especially decorates the scene of nature.
It was built more than 1000 years ago and is associated with Pandavas, who attained victory during the Kurukshetra war by the bloodshed of their brothers. Therefore after the war, Pandavas were ashamed of the killings of their brother. They were advised by the philosopher Vyas Rashi, that their sin of killing their cousins can be absolved if they worship Lor Shiva and make him happy. After listening to the advice they went in search of Lord Shiva who was trying to ignore them because of being convinced about the guilt of Pandavas. In order for Pandava not to find him, Lord Shiva went on to take shelter at Guptakshi of Garhwal region and took the avatar of bull. However, Lord Shiva in the avatar of the bull got caught by the Pandavas. But the bull-formed Shiva disappeared into the ground to later reappear in parts and Pandavas built temples at that place with the hump region in Kedarnath, the limbs appearing in Tungnath, the face showing up at Rudranath, the nabhi and stomach surface in Madhyamaheshawar, and the hair appearing in Kalpeshawar.
Why this Temple is Famous?
If you are a religious and adventure lover then the Tungnath temple at Chandrahsila is a blissful and beautiful place to visit which is full of nature and peace. Tungnath temple is one of the best Shiva temples in the world.
The height of the temple is more than 12000 feet above sea level for this cause shows remains frozen on the mountain surrounding this temple.
Location of Tungnath Temple:-
Tungnath temple is situated in the mountain range of the Tungnath just below the Chandrashila peak in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. it is located in the outermost of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit:-
April to August
The climate is pleasing in Tungnath in these months and the average temperature levitates around 16 degrees Celcius. This weather is ideal for excursions and also for visiting a temple and other places around Tungnath. The only snag is that during the rain the trekking trail may get a little bit slippery.
Septemper to November;-
This is the time after the monsoon and before the winter starts. The weather is very good and chilly in Chandrashila, you will get to see some beautiful views during these months because the region is covered by lush greenery.
Places to Stay Around:-
Tungnath temple is one of the most famous and highest temples of Panch Kedar and is visited by lakhs of devotees throughout the year. After reaching the Rudraprayag, one can find a hotel/homestay without any difficulties.
Here are the few hotel lists given below near Tungnath temple( Chandrashila);-
- Akash Kamini Homestay Sari Chopta.
- Hotel Mountain View.
- Moon café and stay.
- Chopta Meadows Heritage Camps.
- Himrab Chopta resort.
Location:-
Tungpath temple is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand-246419.
How to Enter:-
Entry to the Tungnath is free for all devotees of the temple. The temple of Tungnath is situated in the Rudraprayag district, which is accessible by all three modes of transport.
How to Reach:
By road-
Tungnath can be approachable from the Kund Gopeshwar-Chopta route via the Chamoli Gopeshwar-Chopta Route
By rail-
Rishikesh railway station located at a distance of 205 km from Tungnath is the nearest.
By air-
Jolly Giant airport 223km from Chandrashila is the closest airport.
Travels tips-
- if anyone wants to go trekking to Chandrashila. make sure you are physically fit because unfit or old age people can face problems climbing the course.
- You can also find mules and porters for hire, especially during the peak season.
- You should always follow the rules and regulations of the temple and the beliefs and rituals of the temple.
- Make sure you have enough cash or money and enough petrol for your vehicles because these facilities are not available at Chandrashila, not even at Chopta. One has to go all the way to Gopeshwar or Ukhimath to find these facilities.
- You should avoid Chandrashila trekking in the mean monsoon season because the hilly region in Uttarakhand has its fair share of constant rainfall. The region is prone to unexpected landslides and roadblocks.
Our Uttarakhand is mainly famous for char Dham Yatra. You can book your Char Dham Yatra here.
