5 Kedar in Uttarakhand ( Names, Locations, Mythology & Travel Guide )

In the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are collectively known as the Five Kedar in Uttarakhand (Panch Kedar). These ancient shrines are not only deeply spiritual for Shiva devotees but also among the most rewarding pilgrimage-treks in India.

Mentioned in the Kedarkhand section of the Skanda Purana, the 5 Kedar of Uttarakhand are believed to have been established by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war.

How Many Kedar in Uttarakhand?

There are five Kedars in Uttarakhand, together known as the Panch Kedar:

• Kedarnath

• Madhyamaheshwar

• Tungnath

• Rudranath

• Kalpeshwar

Each temple represents a different part of Lord Shiva’s body, worshipped after he appeared in the form of a bull (Mahish).

The special thing is that you can visit all 5 Kedar temples in a single journey. Amid the beautiful Himalayan peaks, you can reach these temples on foot, passing through dense forests at times and vast meadows (bugyals) at other times. During the winter season, like Kedarnath, there is heavy snowfall around all these temples.

5 Kedar Name (Panch Kedar List)

1. Kedarnath – The First Kedar

Kedarnath Temple

• District: Rudraprayag

• Shiva Form: Back (hump) of the bull

• Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas & Char Dham

• How to reach: Rishikesh → Gaurikund → 16 km trek / helicopter

Kedarnath is the most revered of the five Kedars in Uttarakhand and the spiritual heart of the Panch Kedar circuit.

2. Madhyamaheshwar – The Second Kedar

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

• District: Rudraprayag

• Shiva Form: Navel (nabhi)

• Trek: ~21 km from Uniana (via Ukhimath)

• Highlights: Ardhanarishwar & serpent-shaped Shivling

Set amidst alpine meadows, Madhyamaheshwar is both spiritually powerful and scenically stunning.

3. Tungnath – The Third Kedar

Tungnath Temple

• District: Rudraprayag

• Shiva Form: Arms (bahu)

• Altitude: Highest Shiva temple in the world

• Trek: 3 km from Chopta

Above Tungnath lies Chandrashila Peak, offering panoramic Himalayan views.

4. Rudranath – The Fourth Kedar

Rudranath Temple

• District: Chamoli

• Shiva Form: Face (mukh)

• Uniqueness: Only temple where Shiva’s face is worshipped

• Trek: ~20 km from Gopeshwar

Rudranath offers close views of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks, making it one of the most dramatic Panch Kedar sites.

5. Kalpeshwar – The Fifth Kedar

Kalpeshwar Temple

• District: Chamoli (Urgam Valley)

• Shiva Form: Hair (jata)

• Special: Only Panch Kedar open all year

• Access: Road till Devgram + 300 m walk

Kalpeshwar, also called Kalpnath, is especially sacred during the Sawan month.

5 Kedar Location (District-wise)

5 Kedar on Map (Travel Insight)

All five Kedars in Uttarakhand lie in the Garhwal Himalayas and can be covered in a single pilgrimage circuit with careful planning. The route involves a mix of road journeys and treks through forests, alpine bugyals, and high Himalayan passes.

Mythological Story of the Five Kedar in Uttarakhand

According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sin of fratricide. Shiva avoided them by taking the form of a bull and disappeared into the Himalayas.

When Bhima caught hold of the bull’s hump, Shiva’s body reappeared at five different locations:

• Back – Kedarnath

• Navel – Madhyamaheshwar

• Arms – Tungnath

• Face – Rudranath

• Hair – Kalpeshwar

These sacred sites became the Panch Kedar.

Suggested Read – Panch Badri – A Soulful Journey of the Five Temples of Lord Vishnu

Special Importance of the 5 Kedar of Uttarakhand

• Deeply sacred for Shiva devotees

• One of the most rewarding pilgrimage-trek circuits in India

• Combines mythology, spirituality, and Himalayan adventure

• Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, and Rudranath close in winter

• Kalpeshwar remains open throughout the year

Conclusion: Five Kedar in Uttarakhand

The 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand are not just temples—they are a spiritual journey through the Himalayas, connecting devotion, mythology, and nature. From the mighty Kedarnath to the serene Kalpeshwar, each shrine has its own energy, legend, and landscape.

For pilgrims, trekkers, and seekers alike, completing the Panch Kedar Yatra is considered a path to spiritual fulfillment and inner peace.

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