Rudranath is an ancient and important Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva. It is located in Chamoli district in the mesmerising Garhwal Himalayan mountains in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Rudranath is located at the height of 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) above sea level. This temple is made of natural rock and it has a dense forest of rhododendron dwarfs and Alpine pastures around it.
Rudranath Kalpeshwar Trek:
Kalpeshwar Rudranath trek is amazing and full of adventures. The trail has splendid views to offer. It passes through thick dense woods, green valleys, beautiful green meadows and high ridges.
The trail passes through village’s en-route providing great views and experience. The mesmerizing views of the peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti will grab your attention.
The starting trail from Devgram to Bansi Narayan is vertical climb of around 1500 m. This trek is considered as the toughest among the Panch Kedar pilgrimage treks but it’s worth it. The experience that you gain after completing this trek is incredible.
Mythology of Rudranath Temple:
Mythology states that after the war of Mahabharata, Pandavas wanted the forgiveness of lord Shiva because of the killings during this brutal war. They went in search of Lord Shiva, who was meditating in the Himalayan Mountains. Lord Shiva was upset because of the war and did not want to meet them. So he went incognito in the form of a bull and later appeared in different forms at the five different locations of Panch Kedars. His hump appeared in Kedarnath, his face in Rudranath, his hair in Kalpeshwar, his stomach in Madhyamaheshwar, and his arms in Tungnath. All these five places have temples dedicated to lord Shiva.
How to Reach Rudranath Temple:
To reach Rudranath one has to cover 21 kms trek from Saggar village. Saggar village is situated 5 kms from Gopeshwar.
By Road
The temple can be reached by taking a bus to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere gate, New Delhi. From Rishikesh there are many buses and taxis to Gopeshwar.
By Train
The nearest railway station is the Haridwar railway station, which is 265 kms away. You can get taxis and buses up to Gopeshwar from here.
By Air
The closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which located 258 kms away from Rudranath. One can get taxis upto Gopeshwar or Saggar village from here.