Madmaheshwar Temple, Uttarakhand: Complete Guide

“Embeds in the Himalayas, Temple of Madhyamaheshwar is the enchantment to Salvation and Forgiveness”

Madhaya maheshwar Temple of Lord Shiva is set in the beauty of nature and holds spiritual and mythological significance. Read the full blog to learn more about this temple.

About Madhyamaheshwar Temple

Madhyamaheshwar, or Madmaheshwar Temple, is the fourth Kedar among the Panch Kedar established by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata. Connected to Lord Shiva, this temple rinses off sins and gives spiritual enchantment. The temple is set around the Himalayas in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, making it a beautiful attraction spot for nature lovers and trekkers. Perched in peaks of the Gundars village, Garhwal region at a height of 3497 m (11,473 ft). 

Significance of Madhyamaheshwar in Panch Kedar 

The Madhmeshwar temple is a sacred tranquil connected to the essence of Legendary Mahabharata. To seek penance for the killings of their cousins and Brahmans in the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas established Panch Kedar. One of them is the Madhmeshwar temple, which is The Madhyammaheshwar temple has mythological, architectural and spiritual importance and is one of the prominent temples in Panch Kedar. Nestled in stunning Himalayan pinnacles, the temple has Shiva’s navel as a Shivling, before emerging in Guptakashi. The fourth sacred site in the Panch Kedar circuit, the devotees visit to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

The Story of Madhyamaheshwar Shivling

The story of the fourth Kedar, Madhmaheshwar temple, revolves around Mahabharat times when the Pandavas established the Panch Kedar circuit. The purpose of discovering this sacred circuit by the Pandavas is to obtain repentance and penance for sins in the battle of Kurukshetra from Lord Shiva. Though Shiva did not easily forgive them, he took the form of a bull and eluded them. The body parts of the divine bull form the Panch Kedar circuit. The Navel and Stomach of the bull is Madhyamaheshwar Shivling, which is worshipped by the devotees.

Architecture and Spiritual Importance

The Madhyamaheshwar temple’s architecture is modest and built with stones. It is constructed in the Nagara style and merges with its natural surroundings, giving it an aesthetic and spiritual feel. The hillocks of Chaukhamba and Madani glorify its pristine appearance, and devotees are enchanted.  

Trekking Route Overview

Madhyamaheshwar temple trek begins at Ransi village, Ukhimath tehsil of Rudraprag district, Uttarakhand.

Madhmeshwar temple trek: 32 km lasting for 3- 4 days.

Madmaheshwar trek detailed itinerary:-

• Drive from Major cities like Rishikesh to Ukhimath (distance: 220 km)
• From Ukhimath to Ransi Village

Drive distance: 23km

Duration: 1-2 hrs via Madhyamaheshwar Road or Mansuna Ukhimath Road.

• Ransi village to Bantoli

Bantoli is a small village where the Madmaheshwar Ganga and Martyenda Ganga merge.

Trek distance(estimated): 7.5 km

Duration: 2-3 hrs descent steps beginning from Madmaheshwar Ganga River through forests of rhododendrons, oaks, pines, etc.

• Bantoli to Gaundar 

Trek distance:1.5 km

Duration: around 1 hour where you can explore the confluence of Madhmeshwar Ganga and Markanda Ganga Rivers

• Gaundar to Madmaheshwar

            The Trek Distance is 7.5km approx

Duration: More than 2 hrs steep ascents to Madmaheshwar temple 

• Madmaheshwar temple to Buda Madmaheshwar 

Trek distance: 2km

For stunning vistas of Chaukhamba- site views and photography 

• Also, you can trek directly from Bantoli to Madmaheshwar temple.

Difficulty Level and Ideal Time for Trekking

The Trek level of Madmaheshwar temple is moderate or difficult depending upon the steps and weather conditions.

The ideal time for trekking for a visit to Madmaheshwar temple: 

May to June or September to October 

How to Go to the Madmaheshwar Temple

By Road:

From Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun take a bus to Ukhimath or drive.

Route itinerary from Delhi:

Distance:450 km approx.

Delhi-Meerut-Haridwar–Rishikesh– Devprayag-Srinagar- Kund-Ukhimath

Duration: 12 hours approx 

Route itinerary from Dehradun 

Dehradun-Rishikesh- Devprayag-Srinagar- Kund-Ukhimath

Drive from Ukhimath to Ransi Village with your own or rental vehicles.

By Train

The nearest railheads for Madmaheshwar Temple are Rishikesh and Haridwar. After that, visitors must drive or take a local bus to Ukhimath and Ransi village.

Various trains go from Delhi to Rishikesh every day.

Trains(Rishikesh)	Timings (Departure-Arrival)
DDN JANSHTBDI	3.20 PM – 7.33 PM
YOGA EXPRESS	5.05 AM – 12.25 PM
MUSSOORIE EXPRESS	10.25 PM – 7.06 AM
SIDHBALI J SH	7.00 AM – 1.30 PM
KOTA DDN AC EXPRESS	11.50 PM – 4.00 AM

After reaching Rishikesh, you can take a bus to Ukhimath, drive to Ransi Village and then trek to Madmaheshwar.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport station to the temple of Madmaheshwar.

The distance from this airport is 235 km. 

After arrival, drive through Ukhimath by road.

Distances from Nearby Places

Destinations	Distance (Road+Trek)	Approx. Travel Time
Rudraprayag	58 km + 16 km	3 hrs+ 5-6 hrs approx
Ukhimath	22 km + 16 km	1 hr + 5-6 hrs approx
Ransi Village	16 km	5-6 hrs approx

Know About Weather, Hotels and Occassions

Weather and Ideal Travel Time

Seasonal Overview 

Summer (March to June): 

Temperature- 25°C to 10°C

• Pleasant and blissful weather, lush green, comfortable to visit the temple
• Best time for trekking and outdoor activities 

Monsoon (July to September):

Temperature-18°C to 7°C

• Rainfall is heavy, a region prone to landslides
• Not a good time for travelling and trekking.

Autumn (October to November):

Temperature-15°C to 5°C

• Clear skies and cool weather as the rain subsides.
• The ideal weather for trekking to the main temple.

Winter (December to February):

Temperature- 5°C to minus degrees

• The weather is very cold with chilly winds.
• If you want to trek check for snow conditions and trek wearing warm clothes and boots.

Madmaheshwar Temple is situated at a higher altitude of 3500 meters, due to which weather conditions vary in this region.

The summer and autumn seasons are ideal or best times to trek to Madmaheshwar temple.

Accommodations Close to Madmaheshwar Temple

Guest houses and Lodges in Nearby Villages

Accommodations	Features	Price
GMVN, Ukhimath or Guptakashi	Clean homestays, room options	Rs.900-4000
Mayur Homestay, Ukhimath	Breakfast available, clean rooms, all facilities	Rs.1200
Holiday Hills Homestay, Ransi	A homestay with Garhwali food and comfortable rooms, Hosted by Bipin Negi -Trek Guide	Rs. 2000
Kailash Tourist Hotel, Ransi	Airport shuffle, room service 24*7, bar and terrace	Rs.2000
The Layover Hotel, Guptkashi	Beautiful ambience, clean stays, terrace and garden	Rs.2500

Camping Options for Trekkers

Camp Options	Features	Price
Snow Adventure Camp, Ukhimath	Breakfast and dinner included, luxury tent stays	Rs. 5000
Shivalik Hotel Madmaheshwar, Gaundhar	Rooms along with camping grounds	Price not known
Himalayan Stag Camp, Chopta	Fixed camps, with meals, washrooms and trek guides	Rs.5000

Important Dates and Occasions

 Madhyamaheshwar Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2025

• The temple opens at Akshaya Tritiya after the winter season in late April or early May.
• The temple closes at Kartik Purnima before winter in early November.
• Opening date 2025- 1st May 2025 
• Closing date 2025- 9th November 2025

 Festivals and Celebrations

The major festivals and occasions celebrated here are:

1. Makar Sankranti– The festival is celebrated in January, marking the end of the winter season.
2. Akshaya Tritiya- The time when the Madmaheshwar temple opens up and is celebrated on this day falling in April or May.
3. Mahashivratri- Festival of Lord Shiva celebrated in February or March when Shiva-Parvati were married.
4. Navratri- Celebrated in September or October, this festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations.
5. Kartik Purnima- The time when the temple closes before winter, usually in November.

Activities And Other Important Information

Things to do in Madhyamaheshwar

Photography Spots and Scenic Views

• The Shrine of Madmaheshwar- The fourth Kedar Madmaheshwar temple where you can view the beautiful historical architecture of the shrine and the natural surroundings.
• Buda Madmaheshwar– A few kilometres ahead of the main temple is a beautiful panoramic site with pinnacles around, best for photography and site viewing.
• Sariska waterfalls- An iconic view of a stunning waterfall, 18 km from the temple where you can explore rivers flowing, confluence and mountains.
• Chaukhamba Peaks- During your trek to Madmaheshwar temple, you can view the incredible massifs of Chaukhamba.
• Tungnath Peak- While trekking you can see the peaks of Tungnath in the Garhwal Himalayas.

Buda or Budha Madmaheshwar Trek

Buda or Vridh Madmaheshwar means old Madmaheshwar is a serene place with a small shrine and a pond. It is believed that Lord Shiva visited the place in the form of old age Shiva and temporarily resides here. The site is perfect for nature lovers and photography to capture the tranquillity of the place and spiritual bliss.

Trek Distance from Main Madmaheshwar Temple to Buda Madmaheshwar is 2 km approximately and its duration is 1 hour trek of steep ascent. It’s slightly above 875 m (altitude) from the main temple.

More Attractions Tourists can Visit Nearby 

1. Kanchani Tal (6-7 km from Madmaheshwar temple)
2. Omkar Ratneswar Mahadev Temple (25-30 km from Madmaheshwar) – an important stop in Kedarnath trek
3. Deoria Tal (45 km from the main temple)
4. Kalimath Temple (30 km away from the temple) – Among 108 Shakti Peethas
5. Nanu Village – This small village while you trek to Madhmeshwar temple
6. Chopta (30 km away) – Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand, known for natural beauty and amazing vistas.

Have a Look at Madhyamaheshwar Trek

Important Advice for Travellers 

What Should Be in Your Backpack?

The packing checklist for the Madmaheshwar trek is as follows:

• Clothing – warm and comfortable clothes according to the seasons
• Healthy Food and water
• Medical kit 
• Rain gears
• Gadgets and electronic essentials 
• Trek boots
• Personal Hygiene essentials like mouthwash, toothpaste and brush, facewash, body lotions, mosquito repellent creams
• Sleeping equip 

Permits and Guidelines for Travellers

Permit required for the trek to Madmaheshwar temple: 

There are no permits needed for Madmaheshwar temple as it is part of the Panch Kedar circuit Uttarakhand. However, you can ask local guides if any documents are required. For exploring forests or any restricted nature hub you may require permits from the forest department.

Travellers Guidelines for Madmaheshwar Trek 

• Check weather conditions and roads before planning to travel to Madmaheshwar temple.
• Carrying your valid ID card may be required for booking accommodations or permits.
• Keep up your stamina and immunity to trek and acclimatize your body according to your surroundings.
• Pack your essentials before travelling.
• Have light snacks while trekking and water.
• Hire a local guide.
• Keep a navigation gadget.
• Keep your surroundings clean and adopt eco-friendly practices.
• Be aware of wildlife in the forest regions.
• Maintain your travelling etiquette and be humble to locals.

Important Contacts
Madmaheshwar temple committee	8937985464, 7302878276
Local Guide(Balbir Rana)	07579408125, 08449057996

FAQS

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