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Located at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet), Tungnath is the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Despite its high altitude, it is relatively challenging for devotees to reach the temple as compared to others.
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The story of Tungnath Temple is connected to the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, prayed here to seek forgiveness for their sins after the great Kurukshetra war. This makes the temple over 1,000 years old!
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Tungnath temple is situated amidst rugged terrain and provides intricate stone architecture. The structure is small yet sturdy, built to withstand harsh mountain weather. Its carvings and design reflect a perfect blend of spirituality and manual art.
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Unlike most Shiva temples that have a Shivling, Tungnath has a stone slab that represents Shiva’s arms. The rituals here are special and follow traditional Garhwali customs, which are different from other temples in India.
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Tungnath is a starting point for the trek to Chandrashila Peak, located at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Chandrashila, which means "Moon Rock," is believed to be the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana. The panoramic views of the Himalayas from Chandrashila are breathtaking.
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The temple remains open from late April or early May to late October or early November. During winter, the deity is shifted to Mukkumath, a nearby village, as the area gets covered with heavy snow, making it inaccessible.
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