Shri Kalpeshwar Temple

4.8

Location: GCXX+VJ8, Urgam, Uttarakhand 246443, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: 1-2 hours approximately.

Located at 2,200 meters in the Urgam valley in the Garhwal area of Uttarakhand state in India, Shri Kalpeshwar Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Shiva. The fifth temple of Shiva’s five anatomical forms, Panch Kedar, is said to have an ancient legend connecting it to the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata. The other four temples in the sequence of their worship are Kedarnath, Rudranath, Tungnath, and Madhyamaheshwar, all located in the Kedar Khand region of the Garhwal Himalayas. The only Panch Kedar temple that is open all year round is Kalpeshwar. Enter this humble stone temple through an underground passage to witness the awe of Shiva’s matted hair. Previously, the closest roadhead in Helang on the Rishikesh-Badrinath road was 12 km away, but today, the route climbs to Devgram village, from where the journey is only 300 meters. Besides the monsoon season, bicycles and small cars can use the route.

Attraction

There is also a link between the Kalpavriksha tree and the Kalpeshwar temple. Hindu mythology states that this tree can grant wishes. The shrine is surrounded by gorgeous surroundings and verdant trees. It is the only Panch Kedar open year-round, which is surprising. The hallowed lingam is kept inside a sanctuary where incense and devotional chants fill the air. The magnificent scenery outside includes towering Himalayan peaks and lush foliage. Thanks to its traditional Garhwali architecture, the temple provides pilgrims with a serene haven for spiritual contemplation and a connection with both nature and the divine.

History

Legend has it that in the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas, the epic Mahabharat’s heroes, overcame the Kauravas. Later, they set off in pursuit of Lord Shiva and performed penance to atone for the faults of fratricide, also known as gotra hatya, and killing Brahmins during the war. However, Shiv ji attempted to elude the Pandavas because he was exceedingly enraged by the deaths and dishonesty during the Kurukshetra war. Upon arriving in Varanasi (Kashi), the brothers set out to find Shiva. He assumed the shape of a bull and fled to the Garhwal area to avoid being discovered. After that, the Pandavas followed him to Garhwal. When Bhim spotted a bull close to Guptkashi, sometimes known as “hidden Kashi,” he immediately knew it was Shiva. Bhima grasped the bull by its tail and hind legs, refusing to let go, but the animal eventually vanished beneath the earth. Later on, the bull makes partial reappearances in other places. They discovered the bull’s hump in Kedarnath, found its face in Rudranath, located its belly and navel in Madhyamaheshwar, identified its arms in Tungnath, and it is believed that its hair first sprouted in Kalpeshwar. At these five locations, the Pandavas erected temples and prayed to Lord Shiva to atone for their transgressions.

Inside/Outside Views

The hallowed lingam is kept inside a sanctuary where incense and devotional chants fill the air. The magnificent scenery outside includes towering Himalayan peaks and lush foliage. Thanks to its traditional Garhwali architecture, the temple provides pilgrims with a serene haven for spiritual contemplation and a connection with nature and the divine.

Opening Hours

Monday is Open 24 hours
Tuesday is Open 24 hours
Wednesday is Open 24 hours
Thursday is Open 24 hours
Friday is Open 24 hours
Saturday is Open 24 hours
Sunday is Open 24 hours

Entry & Others Fees

There is no fee.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The closest airport to Kalpeshwar is the 268-kilometer-distance Jolly Grant Airport. There are regular flights from the Jolly Grant airport to Delhi. Taxis are also available from the airport to Joshimath and Urgam village, the starting point for the journey to Kalpeshwar.

By Road: The only way to Kalpeshwar is via trekking from the settlement of Urgam, which is well-connected to the state’s road system. Major Garhwal region attractions like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath offer taxi services to Urgam. From Kashmiri Gate ISBT in Delhi, buses to Rishikesh are accessible. From Rishikesh, one can book a taxi to go to Urgam.

By Rail: The closest railhead is 251 kilometers from Joshimath at the Rishikesh railway station. It has excellent train connections to the nation’s central states. There are regular trains to Rishikesh, and from Rishikesh, you may take a taxi to Urgam village or Joshimath.