Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Madmaheshwar temple is located in Gaundar Village in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. It is the third temple of the Panch Kedar circuit, built by the second brother of Pandavas, Bhima. The other temples included in the Kedar Khand circuit are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath generally visited before Madmaheswar, whereas Kalpeshswar closes the circuit. It is said that Lord Shiva’s (bull form), Madhya (navel) or belly part is worshipped here. The history of this temple dates back to Dwapar yu, which was built by Pandavas. With its, Sprawling meadow, lush green and snow covered mountains, a variety of flora and fauna, and Chaukhamba peaks, this place offers a visual experience that stays forever.
Situated approximately 260 km away from Dehradun, the shrine is accessible by road. However, the last motorable road is only available until Ransi, which is about 14 km from the temple. Pilgrims must cover this distance on foot, so physical fitness and self confidence are essential. En route, you will find an enchanting view, musk deer (endangered species), rivers, quaint villages, brahma kamal, waterfalls, different species of birds, coniferous forest, and more. In the temple courtyard, there are two other temples; one dedicated to Shiva’s consort and other to Ardhanarishwara (half Shiva and half Parvati).
Additionally, there is an idol of Goddess Saraswati installed in the sanctum. Due to excessive snowfall and extreme cold, the shrine’s portal remains closed during winters, and Ukhimath serves as the winter seat, where the idol is worshipped for the remaining months. The head priest of this shrine hails from South India (Mysore), and is called Jangamas. There is another small temple, situated 2 km above known as Vridh Madmaheshwar or Buda Madmaheshwar. This temple offers a full view of some renowned peaks including; Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Trishul, Kamet and Panchachuli.
The whole circuit of the Panch Kedar is built by the Pandavas. As per the Hindu folklore, after defeating Kauravas, the Pandavas sought refuge with Lord Shiva to atone for their sins of committing fratricide and Braham Killing. Therefore, they relinquished their kingship to their kins and left for Kashi to meet Lord Shiva. Incensed by the death and dishonesty at Kurukshetra, Shiva disregarded Pandav’s prayer and took the form of a bull to evade them. In the pursuit of Shiva, the Pandavas reached Guptkashi, exhausted. Suddenly 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 at all these places and built a temple for venerating and worshipping him. Thus, Pandavas were freed from their sins. Pilgrims can access the temple throughout the year but due to heavy snowfall the temple is inaccessible during winters. Ideally the best time to visit the Madhyamaheshwar temple is from April to September.
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