About Rudranath Temple
Opening time- 6:00 AM - 7.30 PM
Prime days and hours- Monday, Morning and Evening
Suggested Duration- 2-3 hours
Tickets- Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station- Rishikesh Railway Station, about 241 km
Nearest Bus Stand- Gopinath Bus Stand, about 24 km
Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, about 258 km
Rudranath, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of about 3,600 meters, it captivates visitors with its pristine beauty and spiritual aura. Accessible through a challenging trek, Rudranath is a part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which makes it a must-visit in every Uttarakhand tour package.
According to ancient beliefs, the temple was constructed by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, establishing its historical significance. Rudranath symbolises the angry aspect of Shiva. Here, the face deity of Lord Rudranath is worshipped with sincerity, and the temple’s ancient architecture adds to its mystical charm. Surrounding the main temple are smaller shrines dedicated to the Pandavas, their mother Kunti, and Draupadi, further linking the site to the Mahabharata epic.
The temple’s location offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul, enhancing its spiritual and natural appeal. Nearby, the Vaitarani River, known as the “River of Liberation,” is believed to offer moksha to those who bathe in its sacred waters.
Rudranath Temple Highlights
• Visit the Rudranath Temple, the fourth of the Panch Kedar shrines in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Attend the annual festival organised on the full moon day of the Sravan month with a fair featuring an exquisite local vibe.
• Trek through a 20 km scenic trail passing through rhododendron forests and local farms near Sagar village to reach the temple.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas as the temple sits amidst the serene meadows and dense forests.
How To Reach Rudranath Temple
By Road-
- By car- You can take a taxi or drive from Chamoli to Gopeshwar Village, which is the base camp for the Rudranath trek, and is about 16 km away. It will take you about 40 minutes to reach Gopeshwar via NH 107A.
There are 3 routes to reach the Rudranath Temple by trekking-
- Route 1: Drive or take a taxi to Sagar Village, located about 5 km from Gopeshwar. From there, you will need to trek around 20 km through forested paths to reach the Rudranath Temple.
- Route 2: Start your trek from Gangolgaon, which is about 3 km from Gopeshwar. This 17 km uphill trail takes you through scenic forest areas and passes by the Panar and Naila shepherd settlements.
- Route 3: Begin directly from Gopeshwar and trek via Mandal and the Anusuya Devi Temple. This route is about 21 km long and offers a spiritually rich and nature-filled journey.
Best Time To Visit Rudranath Temple
Peak Season- (April to August)
Weather insights- Pleasant and moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C.
Things to do- Attend the Annual festival of Shravan and Aarti.
Moderate Season- (September to November)
Weather insights- Inadequate rains with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 17°C.
Things to do- Participate in the rituals.
Low Season- (December to March)
Weather insights- Chilly days with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 4°C. The minimum temperature can drop to sub-zero levels.
Things to do- Sightseeing at the temple.
Rudranath Temple Other Essential Information
Know before you go-
- Do not consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food in or around the temple premises.
- Maintain cleanliness and do not litter or pollute the environment in any way.
- It is recommended to dress modestly and appropriately, respecting the culture of the temple.
- Consider seeking permission before taking photographs or videos of the temple or the priests.
- Carry water bottles and snacks with you, as there are very few facilities available on the trek.
Trek to the temple
Reaching the temple involves a trek, and the Rudranath trail is considered one of the most difficult treks in Uttarakhand. You can choose the trek route depending on your preferences and choices to explore the region. You can either trek from Gopeshwar, beyond which a 20 km trek has to be undergone to reach Rudranath, another option is taking an uphill 17 km trek from Gangolgaon. The route to the temple reveals the pastoral and pristine surroundings of the region.
Attend Festivals
You can attend the annual festival organised on the full moon day of Sravan month, which falls in the month of July or August, according to the Hindu calendar. An enormous fair is organised during the festival and features an exquisite local vibe. The priests of the temple from the Gopeshwar village perform the rituals. A special puja is organised at Nandikund, which lies on the trekking route to the temple. Devotees on this day worship the historic swords protruding from the rocks, which are believed to be of the Pandavas.
Participate in the rituals
One of the popular things to do here is to indulge in the prayers and rituals performed at the temple. These rituals are performed almost every day in the temple, where the priests also narrate the stories from the epic of the Mahabharata. You can attend morning Shingar, aartis, evening rituals, when decorations are removed, and the prasad distribution ceremonies.
Tourism Board Alliances
Rudranath Temple FAQs
Who built the Rudranath Temple?
According to Hindu mythology, the Rudranath temple in Uttarakhand was built by the Pandavas. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for their actions. The Rudranath temple is believed to be the sacred spot where Shiva's face appeared after he took the form of a bull to avoid them.
Why is Rudranath Temple famous?
Rudranath Temple is famous as a part of the Panch Kedar circuit, a pilgrimage circuit to five temples of Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas, and is believed to be dedicated to Shiva's face. It's a significant site for devotees and is also revered for its unique natural setting and the challenging trek to reach it.
How can we reach the Rudranath Temple?
Rudranath Temple is on the Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road, and you can take a bus or taxi from Rishikesh to the entry point at Sagar village, which is nearly 219 km. From Sagar village, you need to take a 20-km trek to Rudranath. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railhead is in Rishikesh.
