About Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Madhyamaheshwar, also spelt Madmaheshwar, is a Shiva temple in a green alpine meadow at about 3,500 metres in the Garhwal Himalaya, above the village of Gaundar in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the five Panch Kedar temples of Shiva, along with Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. There is no road to the temple; pilgrims reach it by a trek of about 16 km from Ransi village near Ukhimath, through forests, villages and meadows with views of the Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks.
According to the well-known Garhwal legend, after the Kurukshetra war the Pandavas sought Shiva to atone for the killing of their kin. Shiva avoided them by taking the form of a bull and sinking into the earth, and parts of his body reappeared in five places: the hump at Kedarnath, the arms at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the hair at Kalpeshwar and the navel and belly here at Madhyamaheshwar. The Pandavas are said to have built temples at all five sites. Worship is performed by priests from the Veerashaiva Jangama community of Karnataka, as at Kedarnath.
The stone temple is built in the North Indian Himalayan style, similar to Kedarnath and Tungnath. In the sanctum is a navel-shaped black stone linga, with smaller shrines for Parvati and Ardhanarishwara, and a little shrine of Saraswati nearby. About 2 km higher up stands the small Budha (old) Madhyamaheshwar shrine beside a pond, with a sweeping view of the snow peaks. The temple opens in early summer and closes in early winter, when snow covers the meadow; the deity is then carried in a palanquin to the Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath for winter worship.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple timings & aarti
The temple is open only from about May to November. During the season it is usually open from early morning to evening; exact opening and closing dates are announced each year. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 220 km from Ukhimath by road.
By train
Rishikesh is the nearest major railhead, about 180 km from Ukhimath.
By road
Drive or take a shared jeep to Ukhimath and then to Ransi (about 20 km). From Ransi, trek about 16 km via Gaundar to the temple; most people take one or two days.
Festivals at Madhyamaheshwar Temple
- Opening of the temple (doli arrival)May
- Shravan monthJul/Aug
- Closing and doli procession to UkhimathNov
- Maha Shivaratri (at Ukhimath)Feb/Mar
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Warm clothing and good trekking shoes are essential. Modest clothing is expected in the temple.
- Entry
- Free darshan. The trek requires no general permit, but registration rules for Uttarakhand pilgrimages may apply.
- Check the opening and closing dates before planning, as they change every year.
- Acclimatise and trek at a steady pace; carry rain gear and warm layers even in summer.
- Homestays and basic lodges are available at Gaundar and near the temple; book ahead in peak season.
- Avoid trekking in heavy monsoon rain because of landslide risk.
- Carry cash, as there are no ATMs on the trail and mobile coverage is limited.
Places to visit near Madhyamaheshwar Temple
- Budha MadhyamaheshwarSmall shrine and lake with Himalayan views, about 2 km away
- Gaundar villageLast village on the trek route, about 6 km away
- Omkareshwar Temple, UkhimathWinter seat of Madhyamaheshwar and Kedarnath, about 35 km away (trek plus road)
- TungnathHighest of the Panch Kedar temples, reached via Chopta, about 65 km away (trek plus road)
Frequently asked questions
Is Madhyamaheshwar one of the Panch Kedar?
Yes, it is one of the five Panch Kedar temples, where the navel of Shiva in bull form is worshipped.
How long is the Madhyamaheshwar trek?
The trek from Ransi is about 16 km one way and usually takes one or two days.
When does Madhyamaheshwar temple open?
It usually opens around May and closes around November; exact dates are announced each year.
Where is Madhyamaheshwar worshipped in winter?
In winter the deity is taken to the Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath.
What is the aarti time at Madhyamaheshwar Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Madhyamaheshwar Temple?
Warm clothing and good trekking shoes are essential. Modest clothing is expected in the temple.
How to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple?
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 220 km from Ukhimath by road. By train: Rishikesh is the nearest major railhead, about 180 km from Ukhimath. By road: Drive or take a shared jeep to Ukhimath and then to Ransi (about 20 km). From Ransi, trek about 16 km via Gaundar to the temple; most people take one or two days.
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