Tungnath Temple (Panch Kedar)

Significance of Tungnath Mahadev Temple

Tungnath is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Tumga’ or ‘Tung’ (meaning the highest) and ‘Nath’ (referring to Lord Shiva). After the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness, but he avoided them and took the form of a bull.

Per mythological beliefs, his sacred arms appeared at Tungnath, symbolising strength and protection. This makes it the only temple where Lord Shiva resides in the form of ‘arms’.

Legends say that Adi Shankaracharya rediscovered the temple in the 18th century. This 1000-year-old temple still follows an ancient tradition with Maithani Brahmins of Makkumath village. During winter, the temple closes, and Lord Shiva’s idol is moved 29 km away to the Markandeshwar Temple in Makkumath.

Mythology Behind the Panch Kedar Tungnath Temple

The Pre-4th century Hindu Sanskrit texts mention that Arjuna was the one who laid the very foundation of the ‘Tritiya Kedar’. However, the temple’s history isn’t just about the Pandavas’ penance. Even Lord Rama and Goddess Parvati prayed here! Let us look at the associated mythological stories of this holy Panch Kedar pilgrimage:

• Lord Rama and His Penance

After defeating the mighty 10-headed demon Ravana, Lord Rama was afflicted with Brahma Hatya Dosha (the sin of killing a Brahmin). Legends say that Tungnath temple is the same sacred place where he performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva. This place is also called ‘Chandrashila and a visit to Tungnath is incomplete without Chandrashila.

• Goddess Parvati’s Penance for Lord Shiva

Another mythological story revolves around Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is believed that Goddess Parvati performed intense penance at Tungnath to please Lord Shiva before marriage. For years, she meditated and prayed in extreme weather conditions until she finally won Lord Shiva’s heart.

The Architecture of Shiva’s Highest Tungnath Temple

The Panch Kedar Tungnath Temple is built in the North Indian Himalayan ‘Katyuri’ architectural style. Interestingly, its architecture resembles that of other Panch Kedar circuit temples, such as Madhyamadheshwar and Kedarnath. However, the temple's stone and wooden work make its design unique.

Highlights of the Tungnath Mahadev Temple

Let us explore the architecture of Tungnath mandir by looking at its main structure and architectural features:

• Entrance Porch: At the Tungnath Uttarakhand temple’s entrance is a statue of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s devotee), marked with three lines of yellow clay. Next to it is an image of Lord Ganesha (Lord Shiva’s son).
• Garbhagriha (Sanctum): The holiest place of the temple, Garbhagriha is where a self-manifested (swayanmbhu), Lord Shiva’s idol (30 cm in size) in the arms form resides slightly tilted to the left. With it are the ashtadhatu idols (made of eight metals) and the image of Pandavas.
• Main Tower (Shikhara): Above the temple’s sanctum (garbhagriha) is the Shikhara, which is made of stone and a wooden platform. The platform sitting at the top has sixteen openings, mainly for ventilation and natural light.
• Roof Design: The whole Panch Kedar Tungnath temple is made of local stones, and the roof is designed in the ‘pagoda’ style. The roof design of the temple takes care of the harsh Himalayan climate and is arranged in a sloping manner.

Read About Other Panch Kedar Temples