Kedarnath

Kedarnath (2286 m) - Kedarnath is where the face of Shiva (Mukh) is said to have appeared. Here there is a natural rock temple in which the Shiva Mukha is worshipped. Devotees come to Kedarnath to offer ritual obeisance ti their ancestors, for it is here, at Vaitarani river that the soal of dead cross when entering another world.

Panch Kedar:

• Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which includes five temples associated with different parts of Lord Shiva’s body. The other temples in the circuit are Kedarnath, Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.

Tungnath Temple:

• The Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and the third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar circuit.
• The temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old and is constructed in the North Indian style of architecture.
• The sanctum sanctorum houses the arm of Lord Shiva.
• The temple is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
• The temple is a small stone structure with a beautiful Shivalinga (a symbol of Lord Shiva).
• Pilgrims visit the temple to seek blessings, especially during the annual Makar Sankranti festival.

Magnificence:
According to the Skanda Puran, Lord Shankar himself said to Mata Parvati about the importance and antiquity of the Kedar region that this area is as old as himself. At this place, Lord Shankar obtained the divine form of Brahma for the creation of The Universe and started creating the universe. Since then, this place has become a favorite place for Lord Shankar. This Kedarkhand, being his favorite abode, is like heaven on earth.

In the Dwadas Jyotirlinga of India, in the middle of the snowy mountain ranges situated in the northern part of Rudraprayag, the frontier district of Uttarakhand, Jyotirlinga is known as Sri Kedar Ekadash, and being situated in the Himalayas, this is paramount among all Jyotirlingas.