The Panch Kedar refers to a group of five sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. These temples are part of a significant pilgrimage circuit for devotees of Lord Shiva and are situated amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks. The Panch Kedar temples are as follows:
- Kedarnath: Kedarnath chardham tour package Temple is the most famous among the Panch Kedar temples and is situated at an altitude of around 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) near the head of the Mandakini River. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva absolved himself from the guilt of killing the demon Gajasura.
- Tungnath: Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is located at an altitude of approximately 3,680 meters (12,073 feet). It is believed to be over 1000 years old and is the highest point of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
- Rudranath: Rudranath char dham yatra Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Neelkanth Mahadev, who is believed to have appeared here in the form of a face. It is situated at an altitude of about 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) amidst dense forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
- Madhyamaheshwar: Madhyamaheshwar Temple is located at an altitude of around 3,497 meters (11,473 feet) and is believed to be the place where the stomach of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple architecture is unique and char dham yatra 2025 resembles the classic North Indian style.
- Kalpeshwar: Kalpeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Jateshwar and is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,134 meters (7,001 feet). It is believed to be the place where the hair locks (Jata) of Lord Shiva appeared.
The Panch Kedar temples are visited by devout pilgrims and trekkers seeking spiritual blessings and adventure amidst the tranquil Himalayan landscape. The pilgrimage to these temples is considered to be highly auspicious and is usually undertaken during the summer months when the weather is favorable.