About Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Madhyamaheshwar Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of 3,497 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is the second temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, where the navel and stomach of Shiva are worshipped. The temple is accessible via a moderate 16-18 km trek from Ransi village and is surrounded by the snow-capped Chaukhamba massif within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a serene spiritual experience amidst pristine Himalayan meadows and dense coniferous forests. The trek involves steep ascents through rocky terrain and lush greenery, leading to the ancient stone temple. At the site, visitors witness traditional aartis, explore the main shrine housing a navel-shaped lingam, and visit smaller shrines dedicated to Parvati and Ardhanarishwara. The area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Chaukhamba peaks, especially from the nearby Buda Madhyamaheshwar ridge.
Key highlights
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One of the five sacred Panch Kedar temples
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Worship of Shiva's navel (Nabhi) and stomach
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Panoramic views of the Chaukhamba massif from Buda Madhyamaheshwar
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Located within the biodiverse Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
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Ancient Himalayan architecture with black stone lingam
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Serene alpine meadows and pristine natural surroundings
History of Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Believed to have been built by Bhima, the second Pandava brother, to atone for sins committed during the Kurukshetra war. It marks the spot where the navel and stomach of Lord Shiva appeared after he disguised himself as a bull and dove into the ground.
Culture & Context
An integral part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. During winter, the deity's idol is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. Priests are traditionally Jangamas from Mysore, Karnataka.
Route
| By air |
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