TUNGNATH - CHOPTA (UTTRAKHAND)
Tungnath means "Lords of the peak". Tungnath is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar Temple located in Rudraprayag district of Indian State of Uttrakhand. It is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath is perched at an elevation of 3680 meters above sea level and is considered to be more than 1000 years old., Tungnath is also adorned on the Chandranath Parvat.
These are 5 temples are the holy places dedicated to Lord Shiva and therefore held in high esteem by Hindus for pilgrimage. The strict order that one should follow for a pilgrimage to these temples is Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamasheshwas and Kalpeshwar.
Chopta is perched in the lush evergreen forest area of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a small region that lays 29 Km from Ukhimath. Chopta is also known as "Mini Switzerland of Uttrakhand" is one the unspoiled hamlet in Uttrakhand. Chopta village is blessed with the nature all around it, be it the forest of pine, deodara and the chirping of the rare bird species from the wildlife sanctuary will left you flabbergasted about the wonders of nature.
The trekking route starts at Panger Village and journey to chopta, the base camp of the trek. The simple yet adventurous trek of 5km (from Chopta to Tungnath).
ABOUT TUNGNATH
Tungnath temple is about 1000 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods can be seen in the vicinity. The sacred temple was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya and now the priest of this temple is a local Brahmins of Makku Village.
The artistic architecture and structure of the whole Temple attracts hordes of tourists to this majestic abode of God. Each year a large number of tourists from all over the world came here for peace and blessings. Tungnath Temple is best visited along with the Chopta Chandrashila Trek that also covers the high altitude glacial lake called Deoria Tal.
MYTHOLOGY
According to the legend, it is believed that the Pandavas started on their journey to find Lord Shiva after killing their cousins in the Kurukshetra War. However, since Lord Shiva was angry about the deaths. Lord Shiva wanted to avoid them as a result he turned into bull and disappeared in the ground with all his body parts scattered in different places. His hump appeared at Kedarnath, Bahu at Tungnath, Stomach and Navels at Madhyamasheshwar and Jata at Kalpeshwar.
OPENING AND CLOSING DATES OF TUNGNATH TEMPLE
The Tungnath Temple opens when the Char Dhams of Uttrakhand is opened during April or May every year during Vaisakh Panchmi on the date that is decided by the Badro Kedar Temple Committee on Baisakhi. The Temple is closed during the Winter Season after Diwal and the image of the deity is moved to Mukunath which lies 19km away from Tungnath by the temple priest during the time.
HOW TO REACH
AIR - Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Chopta. It takes 9 hours to cover the 220 km distance to reach Panger Village, near Chopta. The remaining journey can be easily covered by taxi or bus. Taxi are easily available in Rishikesh Rudraprayag Ukhimath and Chopta from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun.
RAILWAY- The nearest Railway Station is Rishikesh Railway station and is away from Chopta about 227 kms and can be easily covered by hiring a taxi or by travelling in a local bus.
WHEN TO VISIT
The most ideal time to visit Chopta is in the month of summer season April, May June and July. During this time , the temperature of chopta remains moderately high with the place experience a clear and pleasant weather conditions.
PLACES TO VISIT NEAR TUNGNATH
1. RUDRANATH - It is the fourth temple to visit in the circuit of Panch Kedar Pilgrimage. Rudranath is the highest revered temple of Lord Shiva.
2. UKHIMATH - Ukhimath is the home of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamasheshwas during winter season.
3. BADRINATH - This holy town is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Badrinath is also the among four dominant Char Dham Sites of India.
4. CHANDRASHILA - Elevation of 4,000 meters about 13,000 feet above sea level. Here is Chandrashila Lord Ram and Lakshmana mediated.
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