Nestled at the base of towering mountains in the Garhwal region of the state, Madhyamaheshwar (also known as Madhmaheshwar) holds great religious significance. As one of the Panch Kedars, a group of five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located in Rudraprayag district and is rich in mythology. According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to atone for their sins. To evade them, Lord Shiva transformed into a bull, but Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, recognized him and gave chase. In an attempt to escape, Lord Shiva split his body into five parts, which appeared at di erent locations now known as Panch Kedar. The middle part of his body is believed to have manifested at Madhyamaheshwar, with “madhya” meaning middle in Hindi. Reaching this sacred temple requires a challenging 18-km trek, but the e ort is rewarded with breathtaking views of lush landscapes and nearby mountains. The temple sits across from the majestic peaks of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath.
Highlights
- Scenic journey: The drive from Rishikesh to Ukhimath is scenic, with views of the dam in Srinagar, the Sangams, and the scenery after Rudraprayag.
- Trek terrain: The trek goes through meadows, forests, and other picturesque landscapes.
- Check-in: Check in at a local guesthouse or camp near the temple when you arrive in Madhyamaheshwar.
- Explore: Spend the morning exploring the temple and its surroundings.
- Return trek: The return trek to Ransi takes about 6–8 hours.
