Kartik Swami temple

About Kartik Swami

The Kartik Swami temple, situated near Kanakchauri village along the Rudraprayag - Pokhari route in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, is accessible via a gentle 3-kilometer trek from Kanak Chauri village, leading visitors to the breathtaking beauty of the temple.

Dedicated to Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to be the site where Kartikeya offered his bones as a sign of devotion to his father. In the southern part of India, Lord Kartik Swami is also revered as Kartik Murugan Swami.

Visitors and devotees are drawn to the temple for its evening Sandhya Aarti, the recitation of mantras, and occasional Maha-Bhandara, a grand feast organized at the temple, which adds to its allure for both devotees and tourists alike.

Perched atop the mountain, the temple creates a picturesque scene against the snowy backdrop of the Himalayan peaks, evoking a sense of enchantment. During rainfall, the atmosphere takes on a surreal quality, as if the temple is emerging from the clouds. A 3-kilometer trek from Kanakchauri village, culminating in an 80-step ascent, leads to this tranquil sanctuary adorned with numerous bells. Legend has it that offering a bell here on Kartik Purnima can fulfill one's desires. The evening Sandhya Aarti, with its resonating bells and hymns, adds to the mystical ambiance of the temple grounds.

History and mythology

The Kartikswami Temple venerates Lord Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva, making it possibly the sole temple dedicated to Kartikeya in Uttarakhand. Positioned on a ridge atop Kronch Parvat, the temple holds significance in Hindu mythology. Legend has it that Lord Shiva once tasked his sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha, to circumambulate the universe seven times, with the victor earning the right to be worshipped first. While Kartikeya embarked on his journey, Ganesha astutely encircled Lord Shiva, proclaiming Him to be the universe itself. Impressed by Ganesha's wisdom, Lord Shiva bestowed upon him the honor of being worshipped foremost.

In response, Kartikeya, feeling aggrieved, offered his flesh and bones to Lord Shiva in reverence. At this temple, the bones of Lord Kartikeya are venerated.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit the temple is from October to June. A large number of devotees visit the temple during Kartik Purnima, which is usually celebrated between October and November. You can also plan a visit during the Kalash Yatra in June.

How to reach there?

The best way to reach Kartik Swami is to board a bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Rudraprayag. Kartik Swami temple is only 40 kms from Rudraprayag on Rudraprayag - Pokhari route. You can hire a taxi from Rudraprayag or take a shared one. It is a 3 kms easy trek start from Kanakchauri Village located in Rudraprayag.

Nearby destinations