Portals of Tungnath temple thrown open for devotees

The portals of Tungnath temple, one of the Panch Kedars, opened at 10:30 am on Wednesday in Rudraprayag district for the next six months, amid religious fervour and recitation of Vedic mantras

The portals of Tungnath temple, one of the Panch Kedars, opened at 10.30 am on Wednesday in Rudraprayag district for the next six months, amid religious fervour and recitation of Vedic mantras.

Tungnath temple decorated with flowers during the opening of portals in Rudraprayag district on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

The Utsav Doli (sacred palanquin) of Bhagvan Tungnath had started its journey to higher Himalayas on last Monday from the winter sojourn at Markanday temple at Makkumath in Rudraprayag district. It reached Chopta on Tuesday after a night halt at Bhootnath temple.

A large number of devotees were present to witness the divine occasion in the temple, situated at the height of 3,680 meters, the highest among the Panch Kedars.

Tungnath is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of Panch Kedars.

Tungnath temple is not only popular with devotees but also a tourist attraction as it is surrounded by the lush green alpine meadows.

Tungnath, 3 km uphill from Chopta, the last motorable road, is a beautiful tourist destination and very popular among tourists.

On a steep climb of about 2 km from Tungnath temple lies Chandrashila, a famous tourist attraction that commands a breath taking view of snow clad peaks of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath and Neelkanth.

Chandrashila, situated at 4,000 meters, has a religious importance as Ravan worshipped Lord Shiva at this spot.