Tungnath Temple Opening & Closing Dates in 2024

The Third Kedar Tungnath Temple Will Reopen on 10 May 2024.

Millions of pilgrims feel the surge of overwhelming emotions as they finish the trek to the highest-known Shiva temple in the world, the Tungnath Temple. Venture on this highly spiritual and grueling journey to one of the world's five very best-known Shiv temples. At the height of 3,680 m (12,073 ft), you will get one of the best views of Nanda Devi, Panch Chuli, Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth mountain peaks. As the spring turns in, Tungnath Temple will be opening its gate for devotees on 10th May 2024. Pilgrims and travelers can also witness the special ceremonies performed on the opening day of Tungnath shrine.

Ritual Ceremony and Procedures for the Opening Date of Third Kedar, Tungnath Temple

Panch Kedar Temple stays closed for six months in the winter. During this time, the idol of each Panch Kedar temple’s deity is worshiped in any other specific temple at a lower altitude. The winter throne of Tungnath Mahadev is in Shri Markandeya Temple, Ukhimath.

The rituals for the opening ceremony of Tungnath Mandir start three days before the exact opening date announced by the committee. According to the rituals, A palanquin procession called "Utsav Doli" is moved from Ukhimath (Tungnath's winter seat) to the Tungnath Temple shrine in Chopta in three days' intervals.

On the first day, which is 7th May 2024, the Doli procession starts from the Markendeya temple and ends at the Bhootnath temple. After one day of rest in Bhootnath temple, procession moves forward on 9th of May towards Tungnath temple and reaches Chopta on 10th of May morning. On the same day, doors to the temple are opened for devotees to complete their Tungnath Yatra in the cancer ascendant between 11:15 AM to 12:00 noon.

About Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple is one of five super important temples of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand, namely Panch Kedars. Moreover, among all shiva temples in the world, Tungnath is located at the highest altitude; hence the significance. This temple is believed to have been built in the high mountains by the Pandava brothers, the five heroic siblings in the Hindu epic Mahabharat.

But the historical and religious significance is not the only reason travellers around the world visit Tungnath Mahadev Temple, whatsoever. Getting to Tungnath Temple is much more of an adventure in itself. As this is the highest Shiva Temple in the world, it has wonderful trekking that takes you through wildflower meadows and sets you out to epic Himalayan views. Also, this excellent trekking destination is less crowded and more solitary.

The trek to Tungnath is open throughout the year, but the temple closes for six months every year during winter. During winter, the idol of Tungnath Shiv is worshiped in another temple located at a lower altitude. Tungnath Temple again opens after the spring commences. The opening and closing day of Tungnath Temple are celebrated by organising ceremonies and performing special rituals.

Tungnath Temple Opening and Closing

Devotees wait months for Tungnath Temple and other temples of Panch Kedar yatra to open their kapaat (gates). Now that the auspicious days of Tungnath temple opening and closing have been announced, you can mark the days for a blissful experience.

The opening and closing dates of Tungnath Temple for the year 2024 are as follows-