Koteshwar Mahadev Temple

Located in the picturesque town of Rudraprayag in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the most revered temples in the region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.

The Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region and has been mentioned in several ancient Hindu texts. According to legend, it is said that Lord Shiva appeared at this spot in the form of a Koti Lingam (a lingam with a crore (ten million) faces). The temple was built around the lingam, which is still enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

The temple is situated at an altitude of 1,763 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. The temple’s location on the banks of the Alaknanda River adds to its charm and makes it a peaceful haven for spiritual seekers.

Rudraprayag Sangam

Rudra Prayag is a peaceful town positioned in Uttarakhand. Rudraprayag town marks one of the five confluences of the Alaknanda river before it goes on to join the Ganges. Rudraprayag marks the tip of confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. It is the penultimate halt for the Panch Prayag pilgrimage which includes halts at 5 destinations marking the five confluences of the Alaknanda river. Kedarnath is the nearest known human settlement, 76 km away and the surrounding area is infested with thick forests and diverse wildlife habitat. There are mountains all around. It is quite a popular tourist destination with all the recent spotlight for its interesting sights that it holds among its rich treasures.

Rudraprayag is named after the presiding deity of the town, Lord Shiva; owing to the presence of the legendary Rudranath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is situated at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini since ages. If Hindu mythology is anything to go by, this is the same place where Narada Muni, a character from mythologies said to have meditated upon the benevolent Lord Shiva for the gift of excellence in music.

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple has perched on the Chandrashila Parvat in the Tungnath mountain range, in the state of Uttarakhand. It sits atop an intimidating altitude of 12,073 feet.

Tungnath Temple is a heavenly abode that literally translates to “God of Mountain Before. Set amidst the most beautiful backdrop, it is not only the highest temple of Lord Shiva but also the highest of the PanchKedar temples.

We will discover more about this magnificent place of worship, first, let us quickly learn about the Panch Kedar temples.

These 5 temples (PanchKedar) are the holy places dedicated to Lord Shiva and therefore, held in high esteem by Hindus for pilgrimage.

The strict order that one should follow for a pilgrimage to these temples is Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.

Tungnath is the Tritiya Kedar (3rd) among the PanchKedars.

Vasuki Tal Mountain Lake

Situated at an altitude of 4,135 metres above sea level in the district of Rudraprayag Vasuki Tal is a high altitude, clear blue glacial lake. Outlining and overlooking the lake are the gloriously majestic, snow-laden Himalayan ranges which form the backdrop for this holy site. This is also one of the least visited and less frequented trekking trails in Uttarakhand and is located at a distance of 8 kms from the holy Char Dham site and one of the holiest Jyotirlingas of Kedarnath. Once you reach there you will be able to savour some of the most splendid views of the surrounding Chaukhamba peaks which look like it protects the entire lake region.

History of Vasuki Tal
The pristine glacial waters of Vasuki Tal is set amidst the massive and towering Himalayan peaks which form a charming tone to the entire environment. The entire lake is outlined with the unique and beautiful Himalayan flowers known as Brahma Kamal. This trek is not only a famous trekking and hiking destination for adventure lovers but it is also an important spiritual destination for people seeking some spiritual vitality. This place is considered to be extremely holy since it is believed that as per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu had descended onto the earthly realm into this lake for a holy bath during the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Location
Perched at an elevation of 14,200 feet above sea level on the charming hills of Kedarnath Dham, Vasuki Tal is quickly becoming one of the most sought after tourist destinations in northern India. This place is being visited by not only by adventure seekers but also it is a hub for pilgrim goers and people seeking to amplify some spirituality in their lives. The lake is surrounded by colourful fauna and beautifully unique Brahma Kamal which is only found at high altitude zones. Trekking up to this region is a difficult route so people suffering from BP problems or some physical or mental ailment are advised against taking this journey.

Ukhimath

Ukhimath is also known as winter Kedarnath and is famous for the Lord Shiva Temple which houses the Lord in winters when Kedarnath is shut down. Ukhimath is also a very beautiful hill station providing great scenery of the Himalayas. In the lower hills of the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, perched at an altitude of 1300 meters, The hill station attracts devotees and travelers alike from all parts of the state and country

Home to Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhyamaheswar in the winters when Kedarnath becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, Ukhimath is a deeply religious town with spirituality and devotion oozing through its lanes. Ukhimath also provides some great panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks which are covered in snow. It is a place fit for some time in solidarity and amidst a spirituality of significant religious centre.