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

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:

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.

Kedarnath Shivling
Kedarnath Shivling

5 Kedar Name (Panch Kedar List)

1. Kedarnath – The First Kedar

Kedarnath Temple

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

Kedarnath hike Time
Kedarnath

2. Madhyamaheshwar – The Second Kedar

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

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

Madhyameshwar temple
Madhyameshwar temple

3. Tungnath – The Third Kedar

Tungnath Temple

Above Tungnath lies Chandrashila Peak, offering panoramic Himalayan views.

Tungnath Temple Chopta Uttarakhand
Tungnath Temple Chopta Uttarakhand

4. Rudranath – The Fourth Kedar

Rudranath Temple

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

Rudranath Temple Uttarakhand
Rudranath Temple Uttarakhand

5. Kalpeshwar – The Fifth Kedar

Kalpeshwar Temple

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

Kalpeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Uttarakhand
Kalpeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Uttarakhand

5 Kedar Location (District-wise)

Kedar District Region
Kedarnath Rudraprayag Garhwal
Madhyamaheshwar Rudraprayag Garhwal
Tungnath Rudraprayag Garhwal
Rudranath Chamoli Garhwal
Kalpeshwar Chamoli Garhwal

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:

These sacred sites became the Panch Kedar.

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

Kedarnath How To Reach And Where To Stay

Special Importance of the 5 Kedar of Uttarakhand

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.

5 Kedar in Uttarakhand 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand

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