Madmaheshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Madmaheshwar Temple is situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Perched at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, the temple is known for its natural spectacles and ethereal views. Its architectural structure is awe-inspiring and quite resembles the other temple in the Panch Kedar circuit. The view of the surrounding landscape is astounding, that it feels like you are into a dream.
 

Temple can be reached by doing a 16 km trek that is filled with natural splendour. Along the trail, you have the opportunity to witness rivers, waterfalls, the rare Brahma Kamal, musk deer, and a variety of birds. The visual experience at Madmaheshwar temple is incomparable and hard to find anywhere else.
 

A Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva

Located around 270 km from Dehradun ISBT, Madmaheshwar temple is part of the sacred Panch Kedar Circuit. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, a navel shaped black stone Shiv lingam is enshrined along with idol of Goddess Saraswati. Alongside, in its courtyard, there are two additional temples, one of them is dedicated to Shiva consort and other to Ardhanarishvara (a form that is half Shiva and half Parvati). The head priest of the temple is a Jangmas from Mysore.
 

Madmaheshwar Temple Kapat Opening Date 2025

The portal of Madmaheshwar Temple is set to open on May 21, 2025. The symbolic idol of Lord Madmaheshwar will be brought from its winter i.e. Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. During this journey, the doli of Lord Madmaheshwar will took a halt at Rakeshwari Temple, and after completing all traditional rituals, it will proceed to Gondar Village. After an overnight stay at Gondar Village, the doli will reach Madmaheshwar Temple. After following all rituals and customs, the temple portal will be opened to pilgrims for the next six months.
 

Second Kedar among Panch Kedar

Panch Kedar is the most popular pilgrimage circuit dedicated to Lord Shiva. Madmaheshwar is the second Kedar in this circuit and is situated in Gaundar, a small hamlet in Rudraprayag. The other temples in the circuit are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar.
 

As per the legend, the Panch Kedar also called Kedar Khand are associated with Pandavas, who laid these shrine during the Dwapar Era. Madmaheshwar Temple, in particular, is said to be built by Bhima. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a navel (belly), which is why the temple is called Madhyamaheshwar.
 

Madmaheshwar Temple Trek

Madmaheshwar temple is not directly connected by road, whose last motorable point is Ransi Village. From there, visitors undertake a trek of 16 km to reach the temple. The trail is considered easy to moderate and is manageable even by the beginners. Though the trek route is easy, it still requires physical endurance and mental resilience. The trek route passes through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many wild species, especially the endangered Musk Deer.
 

Budha Madmaheshwar Temple

Another small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called Buda Madmaheshwar Temple, lies around 2 km above Madmaheshwar Temple. It is situated around a beautiful small pond, enhancing the area's natural charm. From here, visitors can witness the marvel of snow peaks, Chaukhamba Parvat, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Trishul, Kamet, and Panchachuli.
 

Accommodation

Madmaheshwar temple offers limited accommodation options mainly homestays. Visitors can also set up their own tent near the site. Some homestays are also available enroute to Madmaheshwar Temple. However, accommodation facilities are not available at Budha Madhyamaheshwar which is two km above the temple.
 

History

As per the Hindu folklore, after defeating Kauravas, the Pandavas sought refuge with Lord Shiva to atone for their sins of fratricide and Braham Killing. For this, they relinquished their kingship to their kins and left for Kashi to meet Lord Shiva. Displeased Shiva disregarded Pandavas prayer and took the form of a bull to evade them. In the pursuit of Shiva, the exhausted Pandavas reached Guptkashi. All of a sudden Bhima spotted a bull grazing in a meadow and immediately recognized it as Shiva in disguise. As he tried to catch the tail and hind legs, Shiva, in the bull form, disappeared into the earth.
 

After a while, Shiva appeared in his true five body parts in five different locations. Upon seeing Shiva in this form, the Pandavas were elated and asked for forgiveness for their sins. Later Pandavas worshipped shiva and built temple at all these places, now known as the Panch Kedar.
 

Important Tips for Travellers

• The temple remains open only for six months (May to October), however the trek route is accessible throughout the year.
• It is recommended to hire a taxi, as direct public transport is not available to the site.
• Accommodation is limited in the area, it is advisable to book stay in advance.
• Mule and porters service are available during peak season.
• Avoid travelling in monsoon season. If necessary, check weather updates and route conditions with the local administration or tour operator before commencing the journey.
• Wear comfortable shoes and quick dry clothes while trekking.
• Bring woolen clothes and caps, as the temperature remains cold round
• Always carry necessary items like First Aid Kid, electrolytes, Water, snacks (high calorie), plastic wrapper for electronic items, sunscreen, power bank, emergency light, whistle, tent, sleeping bag and mat.
• Carry sufficient cash, as networks and ATMs are limited in the area.

Nearby Attraction

There are some notable attractions near Madmaheshwar Temple : -

• Kanchani Tal.
• Budha Madhyamaheshwar.
• Nandi Kund.
• Tingri Bugyal
• Kalimath