Rudranath Temple

• 19 May 2025

Why in News? 

Rudranath Temple, known as the fourth Kedar, has reopened to devotees after its winter closure. 

Key Points 

 Rudranath Temple  

• It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. 
• It is one of the revered Panch Kedar temples.  
  • The Panch Kedar temples include Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath. 
• The temple is situated at an altitude of 2290 meters above sea level. 
• In the Rudranath temple, Lord Shankar’s Ekanan means that the face is worshiped, while the whole body is worshiped in the Pashupatinath of Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu. 

 Char Dham Yatra 

• Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to many sacred temples and attracts devotees throughout the year. 
• Among these spiritual sites, the Char Dham Yatra is considered one of the most prominent pilgrimages in the region. 
• The Yatra comprises visiting four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. 
  • Yamunotri Temple, situated in Uttarkashi district, lies near the source of the sacred Yamuna River and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. 
  • Gangotri Temple, also in Uttarkashi district, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, regarded as the most sacred river in India. 
  • Kedarnath Temple, located in Rudraprayag district, honors Lord Shiva. 
  • Badrinath Temple is famous for the Badrinarayan Temple and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 
• The shrines are located in the Garhwal Himalayas and are traditionally visited between May and November.