08/02/2021
Har Har Mahadev 🙏
The is indelibly linked to the origin of the temples built by the . The legend states that sage Vyas Rishi advised the Pandavas that since they were culpable of slaying their own relatives (Kauravas, their cousins) during the war, their act could be pardoned only by . Consequently, the Pandavas went in search of who was avoiding them since he was convinced of the guilt of Pandavas. In order to keep away from them, Shiva took the form of a bull and went into hiding in an underground safe haven at , where Pandavas chased him. Later, Shiva's body in the form of bull's body parts rematerialized at five different locations that represent the Panch Kedar. The Pandavas built temples at each of these locations to worship and venerate Lord Shiva, seeking his pardon and blessings. Each temple is identified with a part of the bull or Shiva's body; Tungnath is identified as the place where the bahu (hands) were seen; hump was seen at Kedarnath; head appeared at Rudranath; his navel and stomach surfaced at Madhyamaheshwar; and his jata (hair or locks) at Kalpeshwar.
Legend also states that , the central character of , meditated at the Chandrashila peak which is close to Tungnath, in India. It is also said that performed penance to Shiva, the lord of the peaks, when he resided here.
The priest at this temple is a local from Makku village, unlike the other Kedar temples where the priests are from South India, a tradition set by the eighth century Hindu seer . It is also said that the officiate as priests at this temple. During the winter season, the temple is closed and the symbolic image of the deity and the temple priests are moved to Makkumath, which is 29km from here. It is near Duggalbitha 10 km before Chopta towards .
