Now let’s know one by one about the Panch Kedar of Lord Shiva, where they are located in Uttarakhand and also which part of Lord Shiva’s bull form incarnation appeared at that place.

1. Kedarnath:

This is the same place where Pandavas saw Lord Shiva and Bhima caught him from behind. That’s why the back of the bull incarnation of Lord Shiva is worshiped here. Along with the five Kedars, Kedarnath Dham also comes in Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand and the Twelve Jyotirlingas. That’s why the importance of this place increases even more.

It is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) above sea level. It is believed that Jagatguru Shankaracharya took samadhi in this land of Kedarnath after establishing Char Dham in all the four directions of India. So, the pilgrims also get chance to visit newly build statue of Jagatguru Shankaracharya Samadhi near to Kedarnath Temple.

Along with the majestic temple of Kedarnath, other places to visit are Bhairav Nath Temple, Adi Guru Sankaracharya Samadhi Sthal, beautiful Mandakini Ghat & Meditation Cave (Modi Cave) etc.

When to visit Kedarnath?

The doors of Kedarnath temple open for the devotees in the month of April-May and close in the middle of November (one day after Diwali). It is not possible to go here in the winter season and also the local residents here go down from here in the cold season. Along with this, Lord Kedarnath is also taken to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath located near to Guptkashi. Pilgrims can get blessings of Shree Kedarnath Dham at Omkareshwar Temple in winters.

How to reach Kedarnath?

You can reach Dehradun airport by air and can travel further by bus or taxi. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh and then Haridwar. You will get a bus to Guptkashi or Sonprayag from Dehradun or Rishikesh/Haridwar railway station. There is a further 16-kilometer climb/non motorable road to visit Kedarnath Dham which you can cover by foot, palanquin, horse or helicopter services.

2. Madmaheshwar:

The bull incarnation of Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of Nabhi Linga (Mid part of the bull). It is also known as Madmaheshwar. This temple is located in Goundar village of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It was here that Lord Shiva spent the Madhuchandra night with Mother Parvati. Along with this, the water here is considered very holy. In winters the idol of the Lord is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath. The same temple where Kedarnath ji shifted in winters.

When to visit Madhyamaheshwar?

This temple opens for the devotees in the month of April-May as soon as the winter ends and closes almost after Diwali at the onset of winter. Many times during the rainy season, the journey here is closed due to slippery, which opens again after the end of the rainy season.

How to reach Madhyamaheshwar?

If you are thinking of going to Madhyamaheshwar then its nearest airport is Dehradun airport and nearest railway station is Rishikesh or Haridwar railway station. You may board the regular bus service from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Guptkashi. Local transport can be hired from Guptkashi to Uniana or Ransi village. The 18 Km trek to Madhyamaheshwar temple starts from Ransi Village, which passes through various villages, beautiful river bank & dense forests.

3. Tungnath:

Here the arms of the bull-like incarnation of Lord Shiva appeared. That’s why his arms are worshiped in this temple. It is situated at an altitude of 3,470 meters (11,385 ft) above sea level. It is situated on the Chandrashila hill at a place called Chopta in Rudraprayag. It divides the waters of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers in the middle. In winters the idol of the Lord is shifted to Markandaya temple in Makkumath.

When to visit Tungnath?

Although the most favorable season to visit here is from April to September, but some people go here in winters as well. There is heavy snowfall in the months from December to February. That’s why going here in this season can be risky and the temple also remains closed at this time.

How to reach Tungnath?

It is located near Ukhimath from where you can take a bus from Rishikesh or Haridwar to Gopeshwar Math. Then its ascent starts from a place called Chopta which is about 4 kilometers long one-way. Although its climb is less but full of natural beauty & mesmerizing views. One can add 1 Km more trek to Chandrashila Peak to experience the ultimate views of Himalya.

4. Rudranath:

Here the face of the bull-like incarnation of Lord Shiva was revealed. That’s why his face is worshiped here. It is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The height of this temple is 3,600 m (11,811 ft) above sea level. The way to reach this temple is very difficult as it is situated in a cave. From the top of this temple, you will get to see Nanda Devi and Trishul shaped hills. In winters Lord Rudranath is shifted to Gopinath temple in Gopeshwar.

When to visit Rudranath?

This temple also opens for its devotees in the month of May which is closed in winters as heavy snowfall covers the entire temple and hill. If you visit Rudranath after the rainy season, then at that time the atmosphere here is very pleasant and makes you feel peaceful.

How to reach Rudranath?

To reach here, climbing starts from many routes, which have their own different pleasures and risks. This is also situated near Gopeshwar. The easiest climb is from Sagar village of Gopeshwar which is 3 km from Gopeshwar. From here the climb to the temple is about 20 kms.

Another main climb is from Mandal village, 13 km from Gopeshwar. Rudranath Temple is at a distance of 26 kilometers from here and in between you will also get to visit Mata Anusuya Temple.

You may choose any of the route to trek to Rudranath, the mind-blowing scenic views & lush green meadows will be life time memories.

5. Kalpeshwar:

Here the hair of the bull-like incarnation of Lord Shiva is worshipped. It is located in the Urgam Valley under the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of about 2,200 meters (7,217 ft) above sea level. According to some other stories related to here, sage Durvasa did penance to Lord Shiva here under the Kalpavriksha. The idol here is not shifted anywhere in winter.So, the temple is open for whole year. The way to reach here goes through a natural cave.

When to go to Kalpeshwar?

Among the Panch Kedars, only one Kedar Kalpeshwar remains open for 12 months for its devotees. Although there is snowfall in the winter season, but reaching here is not so difficult as compared to other Kedars. Therefore, according to your interest and convenience, you can travel here in any season.

How to reach Kalpeshwar?

To reach here, the nearest airport is Dehradun and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh or Haridwar. From here you will get buses or taxis that go for Helang (Joshimath) to reach Urgam village. Initially there was a climb to Kalpeshwar is near 10 to 12 kms from Urgam village. But some time ago, a rough road has been made by the government from Urgam village up to Devgram village, from where the climb up to the temple is only 300 meters. Car or bus cannot pass through this route but you can reach Devgram by your bike, jeep facility available there or small car.