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Kartik Swami Temple

Sacrifice, Spirituality, and Snow-Capped Peaks

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE

Facts to Remember 

Starting Point

Kanakchauri, Rudraprayag Dist., Uttarakhand

Duration

1 Day Darshan

Difficulty

Easy - Moderate

Max. Altitude

Approx. 10,400 ft

Best time to travel

Sep to July

Total Distance

Approx. 40 km from Rudraprayag

ABOUT THE TEMPLE

Introducing the Divine

Kartik Swami temple is one of the most unique and offbeat temples in Uttarakhand and India. Located amidst the rugged terrain of the Kanakchoury, Rudraprayag it is nestled atop a magnificent 'Kronch Parvat', in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.


It is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya or Murugan, the Hindu God of War and son of Lord Shiva. It stands as a testament to faith, spirituality, and the timeless allure of the mountains. Perched at an elevation of approximately above 3200 meters (10,400 feet), this sacred shrine offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.


Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery to unravel the mysteries of Kartik Swami Temple and delve into its rich tapestry of legends and lore.

ORIGINS AND LEGENDS

Unraveling the Mythology

The history of Kartik Swami Temple dates back centuries, tracing its origins to the sacred traditions of Hindu mythology. According to historical accounts, the temple was constructed in the 8th century AD by the Chand dynasty's emperors.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva once challenged his two sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartik (Kartikeya), to circumambulate the universe seven times.

  • Riding his holy chariot, the peacock, Lord Kartik set off on the trip to complete the difficult assignment.

  • While Lord Ganesha took rounds of his parents, referring to them as his universe.

  • When Lord Kartik returned and saw that Lord Ganesha had finished the mission and obtained Lord Shiva's approval, he became infuriated.

  • According to certain Puranic stories, an angry Lord Kartik left his parents' home of 'Kailash' to reach 'Kronch Parvat'.

  • Desperate for approval from his parents, Lord Kartik gave up his physical form at Kronch Parvat.

  • Thus, Lord Kartik's bones are kept in the temple as a reminder of his dedication and selflessness.

  • Other legends suggest that Lord Kartik reached a mountain in Southern India called Srisailam, where he came to be known by the name of Skanda (one of his many names apart from Lord Muruga, Lord Murugan, and Lord Subramanya).


Additional Legends 

  • Further, according to certain alternate legends, Lord Kartikeya, also known as Kartik Swami, chose this remote hilltop as his home after a fierce battle with the demon Tarkasur.

  • Another myth describes Lord Kartik's celestial vehicle - the peacock. The peacock is believed to have left a trail of beautiful feathers, each infused with spiritual energy, on its voyage from Kailash to Kronch Parvat. Pilgrims who encounter these feathers on their trek are said to be blessed by them.

It is also believed that Lord Kartikeya visits the temple annually during the Kartik Poornima festival when devotees gather to witness his divine presence and seek his blessings for peace, prosperity, and protection.

ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE

Enchanting Moments

Architecture of Kartik Swami Temple


Kartik Swami Temple's architectural structure is a marvel of ancient craftsmanship and ingenuity. Constructed primarily of stone and wood, the temple features a traditional Garhwali architectural style, characterized by a sloping roof, small entrance and stone fencing (with time it has been upgraded to iron fencing).


The temple has a small mandap for darshan and the main sanctum houses the idol of Lord Kartikeya, made of black stone adorned with jewels like a crown and a peacock feather.


There are hundreds of bells hanging across the fencing walls and surrounding the main shrine are smaller shrines dedicated to various deities including a Trishul or Trident.


Ambience and Views from Kartik Swami Temple


Perched at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters above sea level, Kartik Swami Temple offers

  • 360-Degree Views: From the temple's vantage point, visitors can admire the towering summits, such as Chaukhamba Peak, Dronagiri, Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Neelkanth, from the temple.

  • Stunning views of nearly the whole Garhwal Himalayan range covered in snow.

  • Surreal Ambience: Difficult to put into words, Kartik Swami Temple has a very unique ambience which has very a calm effect and provides an assuring sense of self-belief to the visitors.

  • Bell Offering: It is believed that offering a bell here on Kartik Purnima fulfils the wishes.

  • Sandhya Aarti: The evening aarti with toiling bells and rhythmic hymns add to the temple's enhancement and mystique.

LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE

Where faith meets Majesty

Kankachoury village, where Kartik Swami Temple is located, is a remote hamlet nestled in the district of Rudraprayag in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas. Not very far from another famous temple - Tungnath Mahadev Temple, it is surrounded by lush forests and alpine meadows. A serene 3-km trek from Kanakchauri village, followed by around 380 steps, leads to the serene temple.


Nearby attractions include the quaint villages of Sari and Chopta, which serve as the base camp for treks to the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila summit and Deoria Tal.

HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS

Undertaking the journey of Discovery

How to Reach Kartik Swami Temple


Reaching Kartik Swami Temple requires a moderate trek of approximately 3 kilometres from the village of Kanakchoury. Alternatively, visitors can hire taxis or take public buses from major cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh or Rudraprayag to reach the village of Kanakchoury, from where they can embark on the trek to the temple.



Weather Conditions at Kartik Swami Temple


The climate around Kartik Swami Temple is almost as beautiful as the temple itself throughout the year. During the summer months (April to June), the weather is mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple and explore the surrounding area. The days are warm and sunny, perfect for trekking and outdoor activities, while the nights are cool and refreshing, providing relief from the heat of the day. In contrast, the winter months (November to February) bring cold temperatures and occasional snowfall to the region. Despite the chilly weather, however, the temple remains open to devotees throughout the year.

TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK

Detailed Information

  • Temple Distance

  1. Approx. 3 Km moderate trek from Kanakchauri


  • Private Transport

You can directly reach Kartik Swami Temple by road through private transport via the following routes:

  1. Dehradun - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Rudraprayag - Kartik Swami Temple - Approx. 214 km

  2. Delhi - Dehradun - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Rudraprayag - Kartik Swami Temple - Approx. 430 km


  • Public Transport

Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh from Delhi or Dehradun (direct buses are available).

  1. You can take a direct bus to Rudraprayag and can avail a local shared transport or a hire a local taxi towards Kanakchauri.

  2. Or you can directly hire a taxi for Kanakchauri.

Important note: The frequency of direct public transport from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar to Rudraprayag is moderately high. But transport options, frequency and availability between Rudraprayag and Kanakchauri is low and few.


  • By Road

The nearest Inter State Bus Station is in Haridwar and Bus Station/Depot is in Rudrapayag.

  • Distance between Kanakchauri & Rudraprayag: Approx. 40 Kms

  • Distance between Kanakchauri & Rishikesh: Approx. 180 Kms

  • Distance between Kanakchauri & Haridwar: Approx. 200 Kms

  • Distance between Kanakchauri & Dehradun: Approx. 214 Kms

  • Distance between Kanakchauri & Delhi: Approx. 430 Kms


  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar.


  • By Flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport. You can reach Haridwar or Rishikesh from airport and take the above mentioned options.

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DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?

Tales of the Temple

  • Peacock’s Feathers: Legend says that the peacock’s journey from Kailash to Kronch Parvat left a trail of vibrant feathers, each carrying spiritual energy.

  • Annual Pilgrimage: Lord Kartikeya is believed to visit the temple annually during the Kartik Poornima festival, attracting devotees from far and wide.

  • Kartik Purnima: A large number of devotees visit during Kartik Purnima (usually celebrated between October and November).

  • Kalash Yatra: Plan a visit during the Kalash Yatra in June.

TEMPLE ROUTE

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Pick-up from Delhi or Rishikesh, Arrival in Kanakchouri

Day 2: Kartik Swami Temple Darshan

Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Rishikesh

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