Madhmaheshwar (Sanskrit: मध्यमहेश्वर) or Madhyamaheshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva, located in the Mansoona village of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an elevation of 3,497 m (11,473.1 ft), Ukhimath is winter seat of Madmaheswar, It is the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit include: Kedarnath, Tungnath and Rudranath to be visited before Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Madmaheshwar. The middle (madhya) or belly part or navel (nabhi) of the bull, considered a divine form of Shiva, is worshipped at this temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
The temple is in a green valley surrounded by snow peaks of Chaukhamba (literal meaning is four pillars or peaks), Neel Kanth and Kedarnath in high Himalayan hill ranges. The Kedar hills, called the Kedar Massif, gives a view of the mountain formation with a number of glaciers which include the source of the Mandakini River. The region has rich flora and fauna, particularly the endangered species of Himalayan monal pheasant and Himalayan musk deer (locally called Kasturi deer) in the Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary.
Hindu Mythology:
The legend of Madhyamaheswar is an integral part of the legend of Panch Kedar, which is a captivating narration of the efforts of Pandavas to atone for the sins of their fratricide (gotra- hatya) act of killing their cousins, the Kauravas, and Brāhmanahatya (killing of Brahmins - the priest class), during the epic Mahabharata war. On advice from sages and their trusted benefactor god Krishna they sought Lord Shiva to pardon them and bless them to attain salvation. Since Shiva was annoyed with them for their conduct during the Kurukshetra war, he tried to avoid them by assuming the animal form of a bull or Nandi and left for the Himalayan Garhwal region. But the determined Pandavas, after sighting Shiva in the form of the bull grazing in the hills of Guptakashi, tried to forcibly hold the bull by its tail and hind legs. But the bull disappeared into the ground to reappear later in his original self of Lord Shiva at five places; in the form of a hump at Kedarnath, in the shape of bahu (arms) at Tungnath, with his face at Rudranath, his nabhi (navel) and stomach at Madhyamaheswar and his hair (locks) called jata at Kalpeshwar. Pandavas, pleased with the revelation of Lord Shiva at five places in different forms, built temples at these five places, worshipped him and attained salvation with blessings of Shiva.
Trekking: The base of the trek is Uniana which is 18 kilometres away from Ukhimath. From there the trekking way starts. After 3 kilometres is Ransi village a small chatti, with a place to stay. Then after long 6 km, comes Gaundhar. After 2 km lies Bantoli, the point of confluence of Madhyamaheswar Ganga and Martyenda Ganga. Then comes Khatara, Nanu, and then comes Madhyamaheswar. The proper trekking distance is 25 kilometres from Uniana.
Camping: It is an ideal place for camping with your family and friends. Camping here just beside the lake is an amazing experience.
Yoga and Meditation:
Pilgrimage:
It's just Awesome Experience. One of the best trekking experience with 360 degree view of Himalayan range . we group of 6 friends started from chopta. Stayed there enjoyed evening rain with chai pakoda. Next day we moved to trekking point to tungnath temple. After 4 hours of trek we reached to tungnath temple where we took rest for 1 hour. Then moved to chandrashila trek. Ohhh god it was really thrilling trek till chandrashila you can't look down during trek. After reaching at the top view was breathtaking. It's a must trek one should do in lifetime.
The 360 degree view from the Chandrashila Peak is a dream come true and we had an amazing time. The view is simply amazing and we saw several other beautiful peaks from Chopta.
Tungnath is the highest temple of Garhwal. While I was on this trekking, I witnessed the pristine clear view of majestic peaks like the Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth and even Kedarnath. Chopta is too underrated. It even gives a beautiful and picturesque view of the whole Himalayas. I guess the early spring season is the right season to trek. The Rhododendron forest actually glows red as the flowers bloom during the spring. It was a very nice trek. It starts and ends in Haridwar. I had a great time. WOW, is an understatement to explain how awesome this trek was.
Tungnath Temple is a very peaceful place, away from the noisy life. I had a very nice time there with my wife. We both love going for hiking and treks. And this one was everything we could ask for. We are planning for another trip now. Hope it will be as good and fulfilling as this one.
Joining this trek, I realized why the Himalayas are the most sought after ranges in the world. The view was just way too beautiful. There are so many secrets and mysteries to reveal in this trek. And with the expert and his experience, it was really an exciting experience over all!
Chopta Tungnath Trek was one memorable experience; I was just awe-struck throughout the trekking expedition. The best part about the trek is that you get to see Himalayas from so close - no doubt the trek is challenging at times but the entire views that you get to experience is something that will make the effort worth the effort.
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