Tungnath temple will close its divine gates for pilgrims on 1st November 2023. On the auspicious occasion of Vijaydashmi, priest of Tungnath Temple, Acharya Vijay Bharat Maithani, announced that the revered Tungnath Mahadev Temple, situated at an altitude of 12,070 ft, will close its gates for the winter season. This annual ritual marks the beginning of the deity's journey to his winter abode in Makku village, where worship will continue until the temple reopens in the spring.
Tungnath Mahadev Temple, the highest Shiva temple and one of the Panch Kedar, holds significant religious importance. The other four Kedars include Kedarnath, Madhymaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. During the winter months, the deities from these temples are brought to lower altitudes for continued worship. In the case of Tungnath, the deity's doli is revered at Makkumath, 20 kms away from Chopta.
This season witnessed a remarkable influx of pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts to Tungnath. Darshan Singh, a local hotel owner, reported that the temple experienced the highest number of visitors this year.
Pilgrims, along with trekking enthusiasts, flocked to the sacred site to seek blessings and witness the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas.
Travel consultant and organiser, Sandeep Pant from Tripotude highlighted the diverse attractions in the region. Apart from the pilgrimage to Kedarnath, travellers explored the scenic Chopta Valley, visiting Deoria Tal, Tungnath, and Chandrashila. Pant's organisation, Tripotude, also promotes offbeat hiking trails in the vicinity, such as Rohini Bugyal and Shyalmi Bugyal, which connects Chopta Valley to Madhyamaheshwar Valley.
Pant remarked that travel enthusiasts will continue to flock to Chopta Valley to experience the winter wonderland and revel in the snowy landscapes. Tungnath Temple remains a significant draw, with visitors paying their respects despite the seasonal closure.
As Tungnath bids farewell to its last visitors before winter sets in, the region continues to attract those seeking spiritual solace and the thrill of adventure amidst the stunning Himalayan vistas.
