The history of Tungnath is inextricably linked to the 'Pandava Legend' of the Mahabharata. Following the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone for the sins of fratricide (killing kin) and Brahmanahatya (killing priests). Shiva, eluding them, took the form of a bull and hid in the Himalayas. When the Pandavas pursued him, the bull-form Shiva dove into the ground, and different parts of his body reappeared at five different locations—the Panch Kedar.
It is believed that the 'Bahu' (arms) of Lord Shiva emerged at Tungnath. Legend attributes the original foundation of the temple to Arjuna, the third Pandava brother. Historically, the current stone structure is estimated to be over 1,000 years old, built during the Katyuri dynasty, which was responsible for most of the ancient stone temples in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. The temple has been maintained for centuries by the local community of Makkumath, who serve as its traditional caretakers.
During the winter months, when the high-altitude site is buried under several feet of snow, the symbolic image of the deity is moved down to the Makkumath Temple in a grand procession, reflecting the ancient seasonal migration patterns of the Himalayan people.
