Kartik Swami Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son, Lord Kartik, Kartik Swami temple is located in Uttarakhand, Rudraprayag district. Situated approximately 187 km away from Dehradun, the temple remains open round the year, attracting a multitude of devotees. In the southern part of India, Lord Kartik is known as Lord Muruga or Lord Murugan, which is why this place attracts many devotees from South India as well.

Located on Kronch Parvat, visitors need to trek a distance of 2 km to reach the Kartik Swami temple, enjoying nature's beauty and rhododendron trees along the way. The panoramic view of the Himalayas and Chaukhamba mountains can easily mesmerize the visitors. It is believed that by offering a bell, Lord Kartikeya fulfills devotees' wishes, which is why many bells can be found around the temple.

Every year, a two day fair is organized by the temple committee on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima. Additionally, the Kalash Yatra, which takes place in May or June, is highly recognized. During this event, a 11 days Mahayagya is performed, and on the 10th day, people collect water from a source located near the temple for Kartikeya consecration. This water source is special because it does not produce water throughout the year, but during these days, a stream of water flows automatically. As per the mythologist it is believed that on Baikunth Chaturdashi, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati come to meet Lord Kartik.

Temples encompass the history of thousands of years and are extremely fascinating. It is said that one day there was a dispute between Kartikeya and Ganesha about who is superior, and they started arguing over this. To resolve the issue, Lord Shiva proposed that whoever circled the seven rounds of Universe and arrived first would be considered the superior. Hearing this, Lord Kartikeya mounted his peacock and started circling the Universe.

However, on the other hand, Ganesha, mounted on his mouse, started circling Lord Shiva and Parvati and after completing the seven rounds stood before him. Astonished, Lord Shiva asked Ganesha for an explanation. In response, Ganesha replied, they both were his entire world and universe, and there is no world beyond them. After hearing this, Shiva and Parvati smiled and declared Ganesha the greatest.

Shiva added that from this day onwards, Ganesha would be worshiped first before any other deity, otherwise their prayer won’t be accepted. Kartikeya was furious when he learned this, he removed all the flesh from his body and offered it to Lord Shiva, and then in the skeletal form, arrived at this Kronch Parvat.