Madhyamaheshwar Temple, Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Madhyamaheshwar Temple, Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Madhyamaheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mansoona village of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Madhyamaheshwar Temple is also called as Madmaheshwar Temple. The Temple is situated at an elevation of 3,497 m (11,473.1 ft). At Madhyamaheshwar Temple entire village shows their presence at the evening aarti performed at the temple and the guests are greeted. One can feel the spiritual vibes in the proximity of the temple. The locals refer Madhyamaheshwar to as Madhamaheshwar which literally means the Drunken god.

This temple is the fourth temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit include: Kedarnath, Tungnath and Rudranath to be visited before Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Madmaheshwar. The middle (Madhya) or belly part or navel (Nabhi) of the bull, considered a divine form of Shiva, is worshipped at this temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

The temple is in a green valley surrounded by snow peaks of Chaukhamba (literal meaning is four pillars or peaks), Neel Kanth and Kedarnath in high Himalayan hill ranges. The Kedar hills, called the Kedar Massif, gives a view of the mountain formation with a number of glaciers which include the source of the Mandakini River. The region has rich flora and fauna, particularly the endangered species of Himalayan Monal pheasant and Himalayan musk deer (locally called Kasturi deer) in the Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/12/madhyamaheshwar-temple-garhwal-legends.html

The Temple

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Religious Significance

The water from the temple precincts is considered so highly sacred that even a few drops are stated to be adequate for ablution. The worship at this temple starts with a specified time period from the beginning of the summer months after the winter and lasts till October/November from start of the winter season when the temple precincts are not accessible due to snow conditions. During the winter period, the symbolic idol of the god is shifted with religious formalities to Ukhimath for continued worship. Priests at this temple, as in many other temples in the state, are from South India and at this particular temple they are called Jangamas of the Lingayat cast who hail from Mysore in Karnataka state. This induction of priests from outside the state enhances the cultural communications from one part of the country to the other, with language becoming no barrier.

It is one of an important sacred pilgrimage centers of Shastrik (textual) importance categorized as Panchasthali (five places) doctrine. This doctrine has been determined on the basis of sectarian association, fairs and festivals, offerings to the deity, sacred declarations made by devotees and specific blessings sought from the god through prayers at different temples. 2 Kms away is a small temple called Bura Madhyamaheshwar. One has to trek 2 Kms up the steep ways through large moors and valleys and then would reach in a small lake, where a full Panoramic range of Himalayas consisting of the peaks, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Trishul, Kamet, Panchulli, etc. can be seen.

Best Time to Visit

For worship, the holy portals of the temple remain open for a specific time period during the year, i.e., from the month of early summer till October/November. In winter, the place remains inaccessible due to the heavy snowfall in the region, and thus, during these months the temple authority shifts the idol of the god to Ukhimath with all the religious customs and formalities. As far as climate is concerned, the region witnesses cool and cold climate conditions throughout the year because of the high elevation. Being an eminent religious place in the Himalayas, the weather of the region remains cold and chilly throughout the seasons. However, summers are very much pleasant as compared to other seasons. During the months of summer, the average temperature ranges around 14°C, and thus, the season is considered as the best time for sightseeing and to adore the beauty of the place.

Monsoon (September to October) is about moderate rainfall and the temperature also drops down to 12°C. Despite this, the temple remains open during these months. Moreover, the moderate rainfall doesn’t stop pilgrims to visit the temple. On the other hand, winter, which starts in the month of November and lasts till April, receives a heavy snowfall. As a result of which, the portals of the temple remain closed for these months. Therefore, May to October are the months in which one can enjoy their time at Madhyamaheshwar Temple to its full. The cool and pleasant climate condition let visitors to spend the most relaxing time in the outdoors, and thus become the best time to visit Madhyamaheshwar.

Accommodation

There are not so much choices regarding accommodation. Only accommodation available at this remote part is home stay. The people here are helpful, warm and honest. The lodging is obviously not luxurious but comfortable.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/12/madhyamaheshwar-temple-garhwal-connectivity.html

Location