The state of Uttarakhand has not been given the name of Devbhoomi for any reason. Almost every place, every hill, and every temple here have historical and religious significance. One of them is Chandrashila Temple, which is located on the hills of Chandrashila above Tungnath Temple in Rudraprayag. The history of Chandrashila temple is associated with the god Moon and Lord Shri Ram.
If you want to experience religious pilgrimage as well as adventure, then you must go on a trek to Chandrashila. Today we will give you information about Chandrashila Yatra history, story, tips, etc.
History of Chandrashila:
Lakhs of tourists come here every year from India and abroad to trek Chandrashila Peak, but this trek is famous not only for its beauty but also because of its religious importance. Chandrashila temple is built on its peak, which is related to Chandra Dev and Lord Shriram. Let us know about both stories one by one.
Meaning of Chandrashila and its relation with the Moon:
In Satyuga, there was King Daksha who had many daughters, one of whom, Sati, was married to Lord Shiva and after her self-immolation, 51 Shaktipeeths were built. Daksha’s 27 daughters were married to the god Moon, but Moon’s special affection was only for Rohini, the elder daughter of King Daksha.
When the other 26 daughters complained about this to King Daksha, he explained a lot to the moon, but when he did not understand, he was cursed to suffer from tuberculosis. After that, to get rid of this disease, the moon meditated on Lord Shiva for some time on the hill of Chandrashila. Since then this rock has been named Chandrashila. Along with this, it is also called Moon Rock.
Story of Chandrashila Temple related to Shri Ram:
We all know that Shri Ram was born on this earth to end sin and kill the demon king Ravana, but Ravana was a Brahmin son along with being a demon. That’s why due to the slaughter of Ravana, the sin of Brahmhatya was imposed on Shriram, for which Shriram repented in many ways.
As a result of the same repentance, Shriram stayed on the hill of Chandrashila and meditated for some time, and apologized to Lord Shiva. The importance of Chandrashila hill increased further among the devotees due to Shri Ram meditating on this hill.
Where is Chandrashila hill?
It is near Chopta village in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. A trek of 3 to 4 kilometers from Chopta village leads to Tungnath Temple, which is one of the Panch Kedar. Chandrashila peak can be reached by another 1 to 1.5-kilometer trek above the Tungnath temple.
Chandrashila peak is about 4,000 meters (13,123 ft) above sea level. The mountain on which this rock is situated is called the hills of Tungnath. In a way, Chandrashila Shikhar is the highest point of the Tungnath hills from where amazing views of the Himalayan peaks can be seen. These peaks include Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar, Chaukhambha, and Bandarpoonch of the Himalayas.
If you ever plan to go on a trek, then you can also do the Deoban trek.
Tips for Chandrashila Trek:
- The weather here is cold throughout the year, so always carry warm clothes with you.
- If you keep trekking shoes and a stick together for trekking, then it will be easy to climb the mountains.
- Get the hotel booking done well in advance.
- Avoid coming here during the rainy season.
- Mobile signals are also rarely available here.
- After Diwali, the Tungnath temple will be closed till the month of March.
- The climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is straight and very difficult, so if you are going for the first time, always keep a guide with you.
