Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Rudranath Temple is located in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Among the Panch Kedars, the Rudranath trek is considered one of the most difficult Kedar Trek. Perched at a height of 11,800 meters, this temple was discovered by the revered guru Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th Century. The history of this temple dates back to the Dwapar Era. Nestled between glaciers and tall lush green mountains, this place is heaven not only for Shiva devotees but also among trekking enthusiasts.
Every year, this place is thronged with lots of Shiva devotees and trekkers. Being at the highest place, from here visitors can easily sight Nanda Devi, Trishul Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Devasthan, and Nanda Ghunti Mountains, which adds up to its allure. The serene environment and Rhododendron forest in the background offers a pleasing sight during the trek. Near the temple, visitors can also see the holy river Rudra Ganga known as the ‘River of salvation’.
It is said that offering pind to ancestors in this river is considered very auspicious. According to the Hindu mythologist, after defeating Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas, distressed by remorse of conscience for fratricide and Brahma Killing, sought refuge in Lord Shiva. On the other hand, Shiva who is not happy with Pandavas, tried to disguise them and took the form of a bull so they couldn't recognize him. In search of Shiva, the Pandavas, reached Guptkashi, where Bhim saw a bull grazing nearby and recognized Shiva in the form of a bull. As soon as Bhim tried to catch the leg and tail of the bull, Shiva in the form of a bull disappeared into the earth.
After disappearing, Shiva in his actual form appeared in five body parts at five different places; his waist in Kedarnath, hands in Tungnath, face in Rudranath, navel in Madmaheshwar, and hair in Kalpeshwar. Witnessing this divine form of Lord shiva, the Pandavas bowed down and asked for forgiveness for their sins. Thereafter, the Pandavas worshiped shiva in all five places where he appeared and built the temple of five limbs of Shiva at these places.
It is believed that after completing the Kedar Khand pilgrimage circuit, pilgrims must seek the blessing of Lord Vishnu at Badrinath to attain salvation. Devotees seek the blessing of Shiva year round but due to heavy snowfall in winters, the portal of Rudranath temple remains closed. During this time, the idol of Shiva is brought to Gopinath temple located in Gopeshwar. Before bringing the idol, the locals worshiped the Vandevi who always protects this area.
Moreover, visitors can also participate in the fair organized by the villagers on the auspicious day of the full moon in Sawan, which usually falls on the Raksha Bandhan. There are various kunds near the temple namely, Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, and Mana Kund. The temple is situated around 270 from Dehradun and can be accessed by road. However, a trek to reach the temple can test pilgrims' devotion, which starts from Sagar Village located around 3 km from Gopeshwar. There is another trek, which starts from Mandal situated around 12 km from Gopeshwar, which goes through Anusuya Devi Temple and is considered the most difficult trek.
