Uttrakhand is “The Kingdom of Lord Shiva” a land of mysteries and known as the home of deities and gods. Budha Madmaheswar is among the panch Kedar (the 5 most influential temples of Shiva in this region are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath). According to mythology, there are various renditions behind the formation of these temples.
According to the legends formation of these temples is linked with the Mahabharta period. The Pandavas were searching for the blessings of Lord Shiva to get rid of a curse that was laid on them during the epic battle. It was later believed that he appeared in parts in these 5 different regions and Madmaheswar is one of them. Pandavas built these temples which are known as panch kedar today. Madmaheswar is one of the most ancient temples of Uttrakhand.
About Madmaheswar
The temple is dedicated as one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva among the temples of Uttarakhand and it is a part of the famous panch kedar. It is considered to be the fourth time in the panch kedar pilgrimage circuit
It was believed that according to mythology the middle (Madhya) of the bull resides and has been worshiped here. Bhima the second Pandava brother is believed to build this temple and worshiped the lord, Shiva. There is a small temple to the right of the main Madmaheswar temple of the goddess Saraswati which has its recognition.
At Madmaheswar temple the entire locals and villagers gather in the sanctum of the temple to perform the evening arti and welcomed the guests. The whole environment and vibe of this place are so divine that you can feel it. Madyamaheswar is also known as Madmaheswar which means the drunken god.
Opening date of Madmaheswar
As many temples of Uttarakhand have kept close and opening ceremonies this temple remains closed for pilgrims generally in the winter season, because of the extreme altitude and weather. For the year 2022, the temple kapat (doors) open during May, precisely on 19th May and they remain open till 22 November (also depending on the weather conditions).
Various rituals were performed during the opening of temple doors
- The doli of lord Madyamaheswar started his journey on 17th May from Omkareswarnath temple of Ukhimath.
- The first stop of this holy yatra was in Rakeshwari temple at Rasi on 18th May.
- For the night halt, it reached Gondar village on the 18th evening.
- On the 19th of May, it reached its final destination of Madyamaheswar temple where Pujaris, or temple priests perform the rituals.
Things famous in Madmaheswar
- It is one of the most ancient and famous temples of lord Shiva and the most famous among the temples of Uttrakhand, where devotees come in large numbers every year and seek blessings.
- It is one of the most challenging tracks, many adventure enthusiasts will trek this famous route.
- It is also a famous spot for some group activities especially camping.
- The whole area comes under a sanctuary that protects some endangered species like Himalayan Musk Deer. Many biologists also travel this trek to explore its flora and fauna.
Places to stay around
- The place where you can stay nearby Madmaheswar is Ukhimath.
- Ukhimath is in the Rudraprayag district of Uttrakhand, the place itself is worth visiting and famous for its climate, flora and fauna, and rich culture.
- It is also the house of lord Madmaheswar and lord Kedarnath during the winter period their idols are from their respective places and worshipped in Ukhimath.
- Here you can find a hotel easily and can halt your journey to Madmaheswar, the place is a little cozy and beautiful, and warmly welcome all the pilgrims.
- You can also stay at the village in between the trek to Madmaheswar, Bantoli.
- Both the places are also not expensive. You may not find hotels in Bantoli but you may find a decent stay in local villagers’ houses. People here are very genuine and will help you out.
- Ukhimath also holds a very important place among the temples of Uttrakhand.
How to reach the temple
Madmaheswar can be reached by trekking 16km of a trek from Ransi Village. This whole trek is a bit easy to complete up to a place called Bantoli, but from Bantoli to Madmaheswar the whole trek is steep and a bit difficult. Kalimath and Gaundhar are the most influential stops in the whole journey.
How to reach by road
If you are traveling from Delhi or a place nearby you can take a direct bus to Ukhimath. A few very stops in between these bus routes are Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
A simplified bus route will be
- Take a bus ride from Delhi or nearby cities to the first stop at Ukhimath.
- Trek from Ukhimath to the temple (16kms)
- Night halt can be done at Ukhimath
How to reach by air
Jolly Grant airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport from Ukhimath. You can take a rental cab or visit ISBT Dehradun to catch a bus to Ukhimath (in the evening time, night bus service)
A simplified air route will be
- Take a flight from Delhi or nearby cities to first stop at Jolly Grant, Dehradun
- Take a bus/cab ride from Dehradun to Ukhimath
- Trek from Ukhimath to the temple (16kms)
- Night halt can be done at Ukhimath
How to reach by railways
Haridwar or Dehradun railway station is the nearest railway from Ukhimath. You can take a rental car or visit ISBT Dehradun to catch a bus to Ukhimath (in the evening time, at night bus service).
A simplified railway route will be
- Take a train from Delhi or nearby cities to first stop at Haridwar/Dehradun railways station
- Take a bus/cab ride from Dehradun ISBT or railways station to Ukhimath
- Trek from Ukhimath to the temple (16kms)
- Night halt can be done at Ukhimath
Entry type
Like many of the temples of Uttrakhand, Madmaheswar is also located at a very high altitude and a pretty difficult track. Temple remains closed for pilgrims from November to May every year because of heavy snowfall and adverse weather.
- Try to wear warm clothes while visiting here
- People with heart conditions and Acrophobia (fear of heights) do not trek this place.
- You can click pictures of temples and nature, try not to interfere with locals’ daily regime.
- The place is a protected sanctuary for Himalayan Husk Deer, keep that in mind.
Few travel tips
- Carry your warm clothes, inners
- Carry water bottles and adequate liquids while trekking.
- Take the help of climbers.
- Take proper food (biscuits & fruit juices are added on).
- Take a first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptics, and headache medicines is a must) while trekking.
- Keep sunglasses and suns cream on. Sunrays can be very steep here.
- Try to trek in a group or with a local.
- Take small pit stops while trekking.
Our Uttarakhand is mainly famous for Char Dham Yatra. You can book your Char Dham Yatra here
