Discovering the Divine – Journey to the Enchanting Kartik Swami Mandir
The Kartik Swami temple is a beautiful place located near Kanakchauri village on the Rudraprayag-Pokhari route in Uttarakhand. It is a 3-kilometre walk from Kanak Chauri village to reach the temple. The temple is devoted to Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva, who showed his devotion by offering his bones to his father. People believe this incident happened at this place, making it a sacred and special site.
People can attend the Sandhya Aarti or evening prayers at the temple and sometimes enjoy a grand feast called Maha. Kartik Swami Temple Rudraprayag is a lovely place to visit for both devotees and tourists.
Why is Kartik Swami Mandir so famous?
Uttarakhand is a land of many fables, some more popular than others. One such lesser-known tale is that of Lord Kartik, whose temple stands tall on a hill nearby the Kanakchauri village. This temple, atop the Kronch Parvat, is devoted to the son of Lord Shiva and his dedication towards his parents.
There are numerous mythologies surrounding this Kartik Swami temple, but the most famous one goes around the time when Shiva and Parvati had asked their 2 sons, Kartik and Ganesha, to circumnavigate the cosmos 7 times. While Lord Kartik took on the daunting task of circling the universe, Lord Ganesha smartly went around his parents, considering them a galaxy. When God Kartik came back and learned about Lord Ganesha’s cleverness and his father’s appreciation, he was fuming with rage.
As per the Puranas, an infuriated God Kartik fled Kailash, residence of his parents, and made his way to Kronch Parvat. According to some legends, he then went to Srisailam which is located in South India, while others say that he offered his physical body to calm down his parents at Kronch Mountains.
The Kartik Swami temple, with Himalayan peaks covered in snow in the backdrop, looks like a painting that comes to life, especially during rainfall when it appears to emerge through the clouds. A three kilometre excursion from a village named Kanakchauri, followed by an eighty stepped climb, directs to the peaceful temple decorated with thousands to hundreds of bells. According to villagers, presenting a bell at the temple on the occasion of Kartik Purnima can lead to fulfilment of someone’s desires. Prayers conducted in the evening time at the temple are a mesmerising experience, with the sound of tolling hymns and bells reverberating throughout the temple premises.
History Of Kartik Swami Mandir
Kartik Swami Temple is a holy abode located in Uttarakhand, where devotees gather to pay their respects to Lord Kartikeya. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Kartikeya is the elder son of Lord Shiva and is worshipped as the god of war, victory and wisdom. Interestingly, this temple is said to be the only one in Uttarakhand that is exclusively dedicated to the worship of Lord Kartikeya.
The Kartik Swami temple is situated on top of a ridge, on the peak of Kronch Parvat, surrounded by serene natural beauty. The trek to the temple is a long and challenging one, but it is said to be worth the effort, as it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
As per the legend, Lord Shiva had once given a task to his sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha, to circumambulate the universe seven times. The one who completed the task first would be worshipped first. While Kartikeya embarked on the journey, Ganesha used his intelligence and took seven rounds around Lord Shiva, considering Him as the universe. Impressed with his cleverness, Lord Shiva blessed Ganesha with the privilege of being worshipped first, which left Kartikeya feeling upset.
To show his devotion and respect towards his father, Kartikeya offered his flesh and bones to Lord Shiva, which he accepted and blessed him with the boon of being worshipped in the form of his bones. It is said that the bones of Lord Kartikeya are still worshipped in this temple, which makes it a site of great spiritual significance for his devotees.
The Ideal Season To Visit Kartik Swami Mandir
For those planning a visit to Kartik Swami Temple in Uttarakhand, Kartik swami temple weather is key. The most favourable period to make the pilgrimage is from October to June, as the weather is mild and conducive for travel. However, if you’re keen on witnessing the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas enveloping the region, then October and November are the optimal months to schedule your trip.
On the other hand, it’s best to avoid visiting the temple during the monsoon season as the path leading to the temple can become slippery and perilous. Safety should always be a top priority, so it’s better to wait until the rainy season subsides before embarking on your journey. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience at Kartik Swami Temple.
How To Reach Kartik Swami Mandir?
If you are planning a pilgrimage to the Kartik Swami Temple Uttarakhand, there are a few transportation options to consider. Most convenient way to reach the temple is by road, as it allows you to soak in the scenic beauty of the region. The nearest train station is located in Haridwar, which is approximately 205 km away. Although the distance may seem daunting, the journey is worth it, as the route is adorned with picturesque views of Himalayan ranges.
For those who prefer air travel, the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to the temple. Once you land at the airport, you can continue the rest of the journey towards the temple through the well-connected road network. You can hire a taxi or a bus, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a car and embark on a self-drive journey to the Kartik swami temple.