All You Need to Know About Madhyamaheswar Temple in Uttarakhand

Are you a Shiv Bhakt?

I am, so anything related to him fascinates me.

One of the higher gods that make up the Holy Trinity in Hinduism, Shiva is an ascetic, a myth, a perfect agathokakological figure who displays humanized emotions, but abstains from the worldly pleasures.

While every God in Hinduism has a story to tell (which keep altering according to regions), Lord Shiva’s remains surprisingly the same across.

And here is one of those tales that I will be sharing with you.

You must have heard of Kedarnath, but do you know of Panch Kedar and the story behind it?

What is Panch Kedar?

Legend has it that following the Mahabharat war, the Pandavas sought redemption by paying homage to Lord Shiva. Upon the Pandavas' approach, Lord Shiva transformed into a bull to elude them. Despite this, Bhima, one of the brothers, identified the Lord and pursued him unwaveringly. To escape Bhima's pursuit, Lord Shiva divided his body into five parts. The locations where these parts manifested are revered as the Panch Kedar. The middle-torso of the Lord is believed to have appeared in Madhyamaheshwar, with 'madhya' in Hindi signifying the middle.

Trek to Madhyamaheshwar

Located in the riveting Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary that brings in the allure of the flora and fauna for which this sanctuary is known, the temple is a good 16-km long trek from Ransi. Traversing through alpines, serene villages and along the banks of the cascading Ganges, the trek takes you to the revered site of Madhyamaheshwar that has its majestic presence on the foothills of the lofty peaks of the Garhwal region, at an elevation of 5,930 feet.

Which part of Shiva is worshipped here?

Considered a divine part of Lord shiva, Madhya meaning the middle, or the navel of the bull is worshipped here. The idol of Lord Shiva that sits pretty within the temple premises is in the Ardhanarishwara form that depicts the divine union of the male and female form.

Things to do in Madhyamaheshwar

The trek itself is rewarding enough! Enroute the temple, there are adequate sights and sounds to entice the trekkers’ senses and give them a sense of the tranquil mountains.

Tunganath – Located at an elevation of 3,680 mts above sea level this is the highest Shiva temple where Lord Shiva’s arm is worshipped.

Deoria Tal – A moderately easy trek of 2kms from Sari village will take you to the pristine waters of Deoria Tal which is situated at an altitude of 2,438 mts above sea level.

Kalimath – Dedicated to Maa Kali this is one of the siddha peetha’s which is located in this region and placed 23 kms from Ukhimath.

Kedarnath Temple – An integral part of the Panch Kedars that remains one of the most renowned temples of Lord Shiva is also a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India.

Gaurikund – Named after Goddess Parvati, this place boasts of natural thermal springs.

Things to Carry

• Comfortable shoes suitable for trekking.

• First-aid kit.

• Water bottle.

• Power bank.

• Warm comfortable clothing.

• Insect repellent.

How to Reach?

By Road

Delhi -> Meerut -> Haridwar -> Rishikesh -> Devprayag -> Srinagar -> Rudraprayag -> Ukhimath -> Uniana -> Ransi Village -> Trekking 16 kms -> Madhyamaheshwar.

By Bus

From Delhi/Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun to Ukhimath -> Book a taxi/cab from Ukhimath to Ransi -> Trek for 16 kms to reach Madhyamaheshwar.

By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun and Madhyamaheshwar is 235 kms away.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station which is 202 kms from Ukhimath.

Best Time to Visit

The temple remains closed for 6 months from November to April, making May to September the best time for a visit.

A spiritual embodiment of Garhwal Himalayas is Madhyamaheshwar that stands as a testament to the sublime beauty, enchanting location, towering peaks and pristine landscapes that makes it a haven for those seeking serenity and introspection. As you leave this sacred sanctuary, the memories of the majestic mountains, the pure air, and the spiritual aura will linger, drawing you back to the heart of the Himalayas. Madhyamaheshwar, with its unparalleled charm, remains etched in the soul of every traveler who has had the privilege of experiencing its mystical allure.

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