Buda Kedar Temple

Buda Kedar Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at the confluence of the Bal Ganga and Dharam Ganga rivers in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand. Often referred to as the 'Fifth Dham' of Uttarakhand, it houses one of the largest Shiva Lingams in North India. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here as an old man (Vriddha) to the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war. The temple sits at approximately 1,520 metres altitude amidst the Garhwal Himalayas.

Visitors can expect a serene spiritual atmosphere at this ancient Shiva temple situated at a river confluence. The temple features a massive, sprawling Shiva Lingam and traditional Garhwali architecture with intricate carvings. A short 1 km walk with steep stairs leads from the road head to the temple. Visitors can witness the sacred confluence of Bal Ganga and Dharam Ganga rivers, take holy dips, and observe the giant trident (Trishul) near the shrine. The surrounding area offers views of Himalayan peaks including Siddhkoot and Dharmkoot.

According to the Skanda Purana's Kedarkhand, the temple is believed to have been established over 4,000 years ago by the Pandavas. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's blessings to atone for the sin of killing their kinsmen. Lord Shiva appeared here as an old Brahmin (Vriddha), giving the temple its name. The temple's history is believed to predate the famous Kedarnath shrine, earning it the title of the 'original Kedarnath'.

Buda Kedar is considered the 'Fifth Dham' of Uttarakhand alongside the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It holds deep significance in the Panch Kedar circuit. The temple has a unique priest tradition where only members of the Nath sect (Rajput community) with pierced ears can perform puja. An annual fair (mela) is held in Margashirsha (November-December), and Maha Shivratri is celebrated with night-long vigils.