Panch Kedar Temples

Panch Kedar Temples: Understanding The Temples

As we know Panch Kedar consists of 5 temples, namely, Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Each of these temples is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. However, each temple adorns a different form and part of Shiva. The name of Panch Kedar are as follows:

1. Kedarnath: Hump
2. Madhyamaheshwar: Stomach/ Navel
3. Tungnath: Arms
4. Rudranath: Face
5. Kalpeshwar: Hair

• Astrological Significance

Known to be built by the Pandavas, these temples are considered so sacred that one visit can help one get rid of and seek forgiveness of all their sins. The five temples of the Panch Kedar represent different parts of the Shiva in the bull form. Let us look at the things these temples symbolise based on the Panch Kedar history. The Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand significance is as follows:

1. Kedarnath: Represents the hump of the bull and is considered auspicious for the people seeking spiritual liberation.
2. Madhyamaheshwar: This temple represents the naval and is said to be associated with helping one overcome obstacles and achieve stability.
3. Tungnath: This temple represents the arms of the bull and is symbolised with strength and courage.
4. Rudranath: it is the face and is believed to bless individuals with emotional balance, inner peace, and calm.
5. Kalpeshwar: Representing this hair, this temple is associated with the fulfilment of the desires of the devotees.

Panch Kedar Temples: Mythological Stories

One very prominent story is associated with the formation of the Panch Kedar. It involves the Pandavas and Sage Vyas. Let us have a look at the Panch Kedar story.

The Pandavas were stuck with grief after the end of the Mahabharata war. They wanted to rid themselves and seek forgiveness for two sins: Gotrahatya (killing of their brothers) and the Brahmahatya (Killing of Brahmins in war). Seeing their regret, Sage Vyas asked them to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva.

• The Journey From Kashi To Garhwal

Upon hearing this, the Pandavas set out for a journey to Kashi, however, they were unable to find Shiva. This was because Lord Shiva was upset with them after witnessing the dishonesty and bloodshed in the Kurukshetra war. Shiva assumed the form of a bull and hid in the hilly regions of Garhwal.

The Pandavas set off for the Garhwal hills. They searched but had no luck. However, Bheema, one of the brothers, soon saw a bull grazing nearby. Bheema soon recognised the bull's divine presence as Lord Shiva himself. They tried to catch the bull but could only get hold of the tail and the last legs.

However, later on their journey, they found other parts of the bull in different locations and sought to form temples in those exact locations to seek forgiveness from Shiva. These temples later came to be known as Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand.

Panch Kedar Yatra

Panch Kedar temples Yatra is a sacred journey sought out by all travellers who wish to visit these five temples of holiness. However, one thing must be considered visiting these temples is not an easy task. One must follow certain things, and one must not forget that these temples are to be visited in an order. The correct order to visit the temples according to the Panch Kedar map is as follows:

Kedarnath -> Madhyamaheshwar -> Tungnath -> Rudranath -> Kalpeshwar

To receive divine blessings and consider your Panch Kedar Yatra complete, one must also follow certain rules of this journey. These are as follows:

1. Before moving forward on Panch Kedar Yatra, one must set their intentions to do so.
2. During the entire journey, people are advised to refrain from consuming any alcohol or non-vegetarian food items.
3. Chanting Shiva mantras during your journey is considered auspicious for individuals.
4. It is important to offer items like milk, honey, and gangajal in each of these temples.
5. Lastly, one must also try to only eat sattvik food during their journey to cleanse their mind and soul.

Panch Kedar Maha Yagya

The Panch Kedar Maha Yagya is the form of havana or puja performed at the Panch Kedar to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. This Yagya is highly auspicious and is said to accelerate a person's spiritual journey.

This puja is believed to help one seek Shiva's divine blessings by invoking the human body's seven chakras. It is thought that this yagya also helps remove perversion and negativity from one’s life and blesses them with purity, prosperity and well-being.

• Benefits Of Panch Kedar Maha Yagya

Mentioned below are the benefits of performing the Panch Kedar Maha Yagya. These are as follows:

1. Performing this puja is said to remove obstacles and provide clarity and peace to one’s mind.
2. Panch Kedar temples Puja is believed to bring one closer to the divine and spiritual energy, creating a symbolic connection between the two.
3. Also, the Panch Kedar Yagya is said to bless one with abundance, wealth, and fortune.
4. It is a great way to cleanse one’s body and soul and instil thoughts of purity and spirituality.
5. It blesses the devotees with protection from ill energies and negativity in their lives.