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Rudranath Temple

Rudranath Temple

Rudranath Temple is one of the revered Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. This sacred shrine is nestled amidst thick forests and alpine meadows at an altitude of around 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) in the Chamoli district. It is the only temple where Shiva is worshipped in the form of his face (mukha rupa).

ॐ नमः शिवाय रुद्रमुखाय नमः।

― Rudranath Temple

It is the only temple where Shiva is worshipped in the form of his face (mukha rupa).

Mythological Significance & History

According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, after the Kurukshetra war, sought Lord Shiva to absolve them of their sins. Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull (Nandi) and disappeared into the ground. His body parts reappeared in different places in the Himalayas. At Rudranath, it is believed that the face (mukha) of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple has been a site of intense devotion and pilgrimage for centuries.

Significance of the Temple

One of the Panch Kedar: Rudranath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
Shiva’s Face Form: It is unique among all Shiva temples because it worships the face of Lord Shiva.
Spiritual Aura: Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, the area exudes divine energy.
Sacred Water Bodies: There are many holy kunds (water tanks) nearby such as Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, and Mana Kund.
Ancestor Worship: Devotees also perform pind daan (ancestral rites) here, believing it ensures liberation (moksha) for departed souls.

Architecture of the Temple

The Rudranath Temple is built in natural rock architecture, blending seamlessly with its mountainous surroundings. The sanctum sanctorum houses a Shivalinga representing Shiva’s face, worshipped with great devotion. The temple is simple, ancient, and rustic, symbolizing strength and spiritual endurance.

How to Reach to Temple

Reaching Rudranath involves a combination of road and trek:

  1. Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 258 km)
  2. Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (approx. 241 km)
  3. By Road: Drive or take a bus/taxi to Gopeshwar in Chamoli district.
  4. Trek Route:
    • From Gopeshwar, one can drive to Sagar Village (3–4 km), which is the starting point of the trek.
    • Trek is around 20 km through forests, meadows, and ridges.
    • Alternative trekking routes also start from Mandalguda or Lyuti Bugyal.

Note: The trek is moderately difficult and requires good physical fitness.

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    6:00 AM to 12:00 PM

  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Temple Location

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