Tungnath Mahadev Temple is one of the most popular Shiva temples in India. It is located at an altitude of 3680 m above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is also a key destination on the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. It is the world highest Shiva temple and was built in the North Indian style of architecture.

Tungnath Mahadev Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and is perched on a crest of the Chandrashila peak in the Rudraprayag district. It is also a popular trekking destination and offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayas.



Known for its breathtaking mountain vistas, this ancient shrine is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Tungnath temple is a significant part of the holy Panch Kedar Yatra circuit and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

History of  Tungnath Mahadev Temple

Its history is quite interesting and there are numerous mythological legends associated with it. It is said that the Pandavas visited this place after killing their cousins in the Kurukshetra war to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva. However, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) and avoided them. This caused the Pandavas to search for him at five places.

At each of these five places, different parts of Nandi were spotted: his hump appeared at Kedarnath; his bahu or hands were spotted at Tungnath; his head was found at Rudranath; his navel and stomach surfaced at Madhyamaheshwar and his jata, or hair, was divined at Kalpeshwar.

Each of the five locations has a distinct symbol or emblem, which identifies the particular part of Nandi that was seen. Each of the 108 Shivlingas that can be found in the temples is identified with a part of Nandi, and a few other deities are also represented.

Among the five, Tungnath Mahadev Temple is most recognized because it has the bahu or hands of Lord Shiva. Other locations that are known for their bahus are Kedarnath, Rudranath, and Madhyamaheshwar.

Tungnath Mandir has a sanctum sanctorum in which idols of Sage Vyas and Kala Bhairava, disciples of Lord Shiva, are installed. It is also home to the images of the Pandavas and silver plaques from four of the Kedar shrines.


Tungnath Most Sacred Temple of Uttarakhand

Tungnath Mahadev Temple is considered to be the most sacred of all the temples in the Uttarakhand region and it is also a popular pilgrimage destination. There are a lot of religious activities that take place here, including Darshan and offerings to the Lord.

Best Time to Visit: The months of April and May are the best times for visitors to go for Darshan. The weather during these months is pleasant and the average temperature is around 16-degree Celsius. This is also the season when you can enjoy the panoramic beauty of the mountains and picturesque surroundings of the enchanting valleys.

Travelling in Monsoon: The hilly region of Uttarakhand is known for its heavy rainfall and frequent landslides, so it is recommended to avoid travelling during the monsoon. If you are visiting in the rainy season, you should carry enough cash and petrol to reach your destination. You should also keep your vehicle well-maintained to ensure safe travel during the journey.