Panch Kedar - Rudranath

Situated amidst thick woods, here the 'mukh' or the Lord's face appeared and Shiva is worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadev. Situated at a height of 2,286 metres all around are fragrant flower laden meadows where herbs, grow in profusion. In the background, in all their glory, are the glittering snow-covered peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Devastan etc. Near the temple is a stream of sparkling water known as Vaitarini - the 'Water of Salvation'.

Passing through the glorious mountain scenery, the seventeen kilometres trek passes on its way through Anusuyadevi. At a height of 2,439 metres, Nandikund is a place where the people worship some rusty old histor,c swords thrust into the rocks. The local populace earnestly believe that the swords belonged originally to the Pandvas.

The trek to Rudranath can be organised either from Gangolgaon or Helang. A cross-country trek from Mandai to Helang via Anusuyadevi, Rudranath, Bansi Narayan, Urgam and Kalpeshwar or vice-versa can really be rewarding.

The temple is surrounded by a number of pools - Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, Manas Kund - while the great peaks of Nand a Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti rear overhead.

Kedarnath | Tungnath | Madhyamaheshwar | Rudranath | Kalpeshwar