Kalpeshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples in honour of Lord Shiva, present in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Also, it comes last, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. One must visit Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar temples before Kalpeshwar temple.
Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. Also, it is a small temple and devotees have to pass through a cave passage in order to reach it. The temple is in the Urgam valley, where the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Kalpganga is also present.
According to beliefs, Shri Adi Shankaracharya designed the poojas and rituals of the Panch Kedar temples. He was also the one who appointed the priests in these temples. It is a part of the 4 Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.
What is the history of Kalpeshwar Temple?
According to the history, Pandavas established the Kalpeshwar temple. Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins. However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull.
Then, he went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations. The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ (Find out more about the Char Dham Yatra). Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where the Jata (Tress) of Lord Shiva appeared.
What is the significance of Kalpeshwar Temple?
The significance of Kalpeshwar temple is that the priests of the temple are Dasnamis and Gossains, who are disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. Devotees also believe that worship here at the temple is capable of absolving one of his/her sins. This is because as per mythology, Saint Durvasa cursed Lord Indra for his sins.
Indra, then came to Kalpeshwar temple and performed penance to please Lord Shiva. Later, Shiva blessed him and helped him gain his throne back. Kalpeshwar temples is also the only temple among the Panch Kedar temples to be accessible throught the year.
What are the timings of Kalpeshwar Temple?
Here are the timings of Kalpeshwar Temple:
Timings | From | |
Open | 6 AM | |
Close | 7 PM | |
Morning Aarti | 6 AM | |
Evening Aarti | 6:30 PM | |
What are the festivals celebrated at Kalpeshwar Temple?
Some of the festivals celebrated at Kalpeshwar Temple are:
- Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
- Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.
How to reach Kalpeshwar Temple?
Here’s how to reach Kalpeshwar Temple:
- Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport.
- Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (251 km away).
- Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi to reach Ugram village. The remaining distance has to be covered through trek.
Where to stay near Kalpeshwar Temple?
Some of the places where one can stay near Kalpeshwar Temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:
- The Tattva Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, 24-hour room service and Laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include A 24-hour front desk.
- Monal Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour business centre and Concierge services are available at this resort. Free WiFi in public areas and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include Dry cleaning, A 24-hour front desk and a garden.
- Hotel Mandakini: This hotel features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace and 24-hour room service are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a meeting room and A 24-hour front desk are on-site.
What are the other Panch Kedar temples?
The other Panch Kedar temples are:
- Kedarnath Temple: It is the first, and the most famous temple among the Panch Kedar templs of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull form of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple remains closed during winters and at that time, devotees bring the idols of the temple to Ukhimath for worship. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, which is the historical name of the region.
- Tungnath Temple: It comes second, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, Tunganath mountains form Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.
- Rudranath Temple: It comes third, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. It is followed by Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Moreover, the face of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here. Rudranath Temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva appeared.
- Madhyamaheshwar Temple: It comes fourth, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples followed by Kalpeshwar Temple. Peaks like Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth and Kedarnath surround the temple.Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the place where the navel of Lord Shiva appeared.
These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.