RUDRANATH

Rudranath is one of the Panch Kedar temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The Panch Kedar temples are a group of five sacred shrines associated with different parts of Lord Shiva’s body. Here are some key details about Rudranath:

Location:

• Rudranath is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of approximately 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level.

Best Time to Visit

• May to June: Clear skies and blooming rhododendrons.
• September to October: Post-monsoon greenery and cool weather.
• Winter (November to April): The temple is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Panch Kedar:

• Rudranath is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, along with Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Each of these temples is associated with a specific part of Lord Shiva’s body.

Rudranath Temple:

• The main attraction is the Rudranath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Rudra, the fiercest form of the deity.
• The temple is a small stone structure with a natural rock statue of Lord Shiva.

Access:

• Reaching Rudranath involves a trek from the village of Sagar, near Gopeshwar. The trek passes through dense forests, meadows, and offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
• The temple is generally open to pilgrims during the summer months, from May to October.

Anusuya Devi Temple:

• On the way to Rudranath, there is a temple dedicated to Anusuya Devi, the wife of sage Atri. It is believed to be the place where Anusuya turned the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) into infants.

Panar Bugyal:

• Panar Bugyal is a high-altitude meadow on the trek to Rudranath, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Nanda Devi Peak:

• The trek to Rudranath offers stunning views of the Nanda Devi peak, one of the highest peaks in the Indian Himalayas.

Dwadasa Jyotirlinga:

• According to Hindu mythology, Rudranath is considered one of the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga, the twelve sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.