PANCH KEDAR
As the legend goes...
In the mahabharat, while on their Himalayan Pilgrimage, the Pandavas decided to pay Homage to Lord SHIVA. But Lord Shiva was not interested in meeting them as they were guilty of Gotra Hatya. Seeing the Pandavas coming, the Lord disguised himself as a Bull. But the Pandavas saw through Shiva's disguise. Viewing that his disguise had not worked the bull tried to plunge himself beneath the ground. But Bhima was swift and held on to the hind legs of the bull, thus preventing it from vanishing. In the struggle that ensued different parts of Lord Shiva's body appeared at various places in Kedarnath. With the forelegs showing up at Pashupatinath in Nepal, the rump of the bull at Kedarnath, the torso including the navel at Madhmaheshwar, the Arms at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and the matted hair of Shiva at Kalpeshwar.
Yatra Significance:
Kedarnath for the hump (3,584 M)
One among the holiest pilgrim centers in northern India, which is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters in the lap of the majestic mountain peaks, Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand boast of unparallel credentials in the religious arena. This scenic locale in the Gharwal region proffers an unruffled ambiance with it's snowy peaks, alpine forests and colourful rhodendrons.
Tungnath for the Arms (bahu) (3,680 M)
Located on the Chandranath parbat in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Tungnath is one of the sacred Panch Kedar. It is the highest temple of Lord Shiva perched at an astounding elevation of 3,680mts above sea level.
Rudranath for the Face (mukh) (2,286 m)
Situated amidst thick woods, the 'mukh' or the Lord's face appeared and Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Neelkanth Mahadev. The temple is located in the midst of fragrant flower laden meadows where herbs, grow in profusion.
Madhyamaheshwar for the Stomach (nabhi) (3490 m)
After disappearing at Kedarnath, the Navel reappeared at Madhyamadheshwar, 30 km from Guptkashi (24 km trek + 6 km motorable). Here is a magnificent Shiva Temple, approachable through a trekking route that passes through the famous Siddha Peeth of Kalimath.
Kalpeshwar for the Hair (jata) (2134 m)
In this small rock temple, entered through a cave and set amidst delightful natural surroundings, the manifestation is of the Hair or Jata. The 14 km distance from Joshimath to Helang is motorable and the rest 11 km bridle paths via Urgam, begins with the crossing of the Alaknanda at Helang.
Most of the trek is a gradual climb, and located just 2 km before Kalpeshwar is the friendly village of Urgam, in a picturesque valley with terraced fields, lush green forests and gentle, warm and friendly people.