Context:

• A notification was issued by the central government to declare the ancient Tungnath temple as a monument of national importance.
• Tungnath temple, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
• It is the third of the five Panchkedars of Uttarakhand.

Special Features of Tungnath Temple:

=> Tungnath Temple is situated at an altitude of 12800 feet.

=> It is the only ancient ‘Shivalaya’ of its kind located at the highest point above sea level in Asia.

=> It is one of the highest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is highest of the five Panch Kedar temples.

=> Tungnath temple is located at the top of a ridge that separates the waters of the Mandakini River (originating from Kedarnath) from those of the Alaknanda River (originating above Badrinath).

=> The peak of Tungnath on this ridge is the origin of three springs that together form the Akashkamini River. Situated approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) below the Chandrashila Peak, the temple is surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

=> It is believed that Lord Rama meditated on the Chandrashila peak around Tungnath.

=> The temple is associated with the Panchkedar temples, which were built by the Pandavas.

=> It is believed that the Pandavas were advised by sage Vyasa Rishi to worship Lord Shiva to forgive their sin of killing their cousin Kauravas during the war of Mahabharata.