Location:
Garhwal Himalayas, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand, India
How to Reach:
• Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh/ Haridwar. Ukhimath is approximately 207 Kms from Haridwar. Trek to Madmaheshwar starts from Ransi village which is 30 kms away from Madmaheshwar. Local taxis can be used for travel.
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
• By Road: Can be reached from Rishikesh/ Haridwar by bus or taxi till Ransi via Ukhimath.
Overview & Divine Significance:
Madmaheshwar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located at an altitude of around 3,497 meters (11,473 ft) in Garhwal Himalayas, Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the five Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds great spiritual significance. It is one of the sacred Panch Kedar temples, where the navel (madhya) part of Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared. According to legend, the Pandavas built this temple to seek penance after the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of a black stone lingam, uniquely shaped like a navel, symbolizing the source of creation and life.
Temple Architecture & Facts:
• Built in Classic North Indian style (Nagara architecture) with stone structures.
• A small black stone Shiva Lingam is the main idol, symbolizing the navel of Shiva.
• Opening Period: May to October (closed in winter)
• Winter Abode: Idol is moved to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
• Small yet spiritually vibrant, surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath.
Religious Significance:
• Madmaheshwar represents the navel (madhya) form of Lord Shiva.
• According to mythology, after the war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva for forgiveness.
• Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground at Kedarnath.
• It is believed that the navel of Shiva appeared at Madmaheshwar.
• The temple is thus second in the sequence of Panch Kedar pilgrimage:
1. Kedarnath – Hump
2. Madmaheshwar – Navel
3. Tungnath – Arms
4. Rudranath – Face
5. Kalpeshwar – Hair
Trekking & Experience:
• The Madmaheshwar trek is considered easy to moderate.
• En route villages like Gaundhar and Nanu offer traditional hospitality.
• The area is rich in flora, fauna, verdant landscapes, and Himalayan biodiversity.
Trek Details:
• Trek Start Point: Ransi village (reachable from Ukhimath)
• Distance: ~16–18 km
• Route Highlights: Ransi → Bantoli → Gaundhar → Khatara → Nanu → Madmaheshwar
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 4–5 days
Perfect for spiritual seekers, nature lovers, and trekking enthusiasts.
Why Visit Madmaheshwar?
• Experience the virgin Himalayan serenity
• Part of the Panch Kedar, the spiritual circuit
• Blend of mythology, adventure, and inner peace
• Ideal for both pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts
Plan Your Trip Now:
Contact: Adventure Heights / 8126754264 & 8057146497
What’s App: 8126754264 & 8057146497
Website: www.adventureheights.com
