About MADHYAMAHESHWAR – The second KEDAR amongst Panch KEDAR.
MADHYAMAHESHWAR is a Hindu temple dedicated to lord “Shiva” located in Gaundar village (Ukhimath, Uttarakhand). It is called the “SECOND KEDAR” (dutiya kedar) amongst the PANCH KEDAR, the others include KEDARNATH, TUNGNATH, RUDRANATH, KALPESHWAR. the middle (Madhya) part or belly of lord SHIVA is worshiped here. It is the summer seat of lord SHIVA, during winter the holy doli is taken to Ukhimath (the winter seat). BHIMA the second PANDAVAS is believed to have built this temple. situated at an elevation of 3490 mts above sea level it is covered with snow-capped Himalaya, lush green meadows, and dense forest. To the right side of the main temple, there is a small temple of the goddess SARASWATI.
Main highlights of MADHYAMAHESHWAR
- Longitude and latitude: 30°38′13″N79°12′58″E
- Weather: sunny, rainy, foggy, snowy, and windy.
- Sea level: 3490 meters
- Near visited place: Buddha madhyamaheshwar, nandi kund, kachin taal, pandav sera.
- How to reach: by bus, car, bike (up to ransi village)
- Difficulty level: moderate
History of MADHYAMAHESHWAR
After killing their brothers PANDAVAS were blamed for gotrya-hatya (act of killing their relatives) and brahmahatya(act of killing the brahamins) during MAHABHART, PANDAVAS started their journey to see lord SHIVA wash their sins( on the advice of lord KRISHNA). Lord SHIVA was annoyed with them due to their act of war and dishonesty so he tried to avoid them. Therefore he camouflaged in the form of a bull(NANDI) and left for the Himalayan Garhwal range and reappear at different places. At MADHYAMAHESHWAR, BHIMA the second PANDAVAS sighted SHIVA in the form of bull grazing grass and forcibly hold the bull’s belly (Madhya part). Later lord SHIVA reappear in his original form at five places called PANCH KEDAR (KEDARNATH, MADHYAMAHESHWAR, TUNGNATH, RUDRANATH, AND KALPESHWAR). at MADHYAMAHESHWAR lord SHIVA is worshiped in the form of naval-shaped lingham.
How to reach MADHYAMAHESHWAR
The road is connected to Ransi village only from there the trek starts which is about 17 km.
BY AIR:
Jolly Grant is the nearest airport located in Rishikesh which is nearly 210 km away.
BY train:
: Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railway station to Madhyamaheshwar which is 200 km by road.
By bus:
: The buses are available from Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar to ukhimath. From ukhimath you can hire a taxi to Ransi village.
By car:
The road is well connected to Ransi village from there you have to trek 17 km to reach Madhyamaheshwar.
Distance chart to Madhyamaheshwar from different cities
- Delhi to Madhyamaheshwar: 446 km
- Chandigarh to Madhyamaheshwar: 432 km
- Noida to Madhyamaheshwar: 459 km
- Haridwar to Madhyamaheshwar: 251 km
- Dehradun to Madhyamaheshwar: 267 km
- Rishikesh to Madhyamaheshwar: 220 km
Things to do in Madhyamaheshwar.
Pilgrimage:
Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of naval-shaped Lingham, many pilgrimage visit here to seek the blessing of shiva.
Trekking:
The road is connected to Ransi village and one has to trek 17 km to reach here, so the trip is done through trekking.
Camping:
Camping is one of the favourite of tourists to do here. It is the perfect place to camp under the foot hills of Chaukhmbha.
Places to see in Madhyamaheshwar.
Buddha Madhyamaheshwar:
Buddha madhyanaehswar is located 2 km from the main temple, it is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. this place offers one of the best views of Chaukhamba peak. This is a small meadow with a lake in the center.
Nandi kund:
This a fresh water lake surrounded by groups of Chaukhaba peaks. It is the perfect place for those who will to trek and is one of the toughest treks in Uttarakhand.
Pandav sera:
Pandav sera is a large field of grass and grains. It is believed that during Pandavas’ visit they stayed for a while at this place and cultivated the grain. Grain cultivated by Pandavas are still there.
Kanchani taal:
It is a high-altitude glacier lake located 15 km from the main temple. It is a hot destination among trekkers.
Other’s thing to do in Madhyamaheshwar
One can witness a milky way and mesmerizing sunrise and sun set from the top of Buddha madhyamaheshwar.
Top best hotels
There are no luxurious hotels but some huts and homestays where you can stay. Another option is that you can carry your own tent.
Best time to visit Madhyamaehswar.
The temple remains closed from November to April so confirm the dates and visit. May, June, September, October, and November are the best time to visit here.
You can opt for mules from Ransi village if you are not able to trek 16 km. During monsoon season hire a travel guide as there is a possibility of too much fog.
