Mythological Significance & History

Tungnath Temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and has strong connections to the Mahabharata. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to absolve themselves of the sin of killing their kin. Shiva, avoiding them, disguised himself as a bull and disappeared into the ground. His body is said to have reappeared at five different places, collectively known as the Panch Kedar. Tungnath is where the arms of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple was later built by the Pandavas to honor Lord Shiva.