Dedicated to Lord Shiva's elder son Kartikeya, Kartik Swami Temple in located at an altitude of 3050 Mts above sea level near Kanak Chauri village on Rudraprayag. The temple is known for its idol of Lord Kartikeya which is naturally craved on a marble type rock.

Location Uttarakhand, Rudraprayag, Dehradun

Legend

According to the legends, once a competition was held between Lord Katikeya and Lord Ganesha that the person who take seven rounds of the universe first will have the privilege of being worshiped first. Ganesha took seven rounds around Shiva and Parvati telling them that his parents are his universe, while Kartikeya faithfully circled the universe. Impressed by Ganesha, Shiva gave him the honour of being worshipped before anyone. Angered by this, Kartikeya sacrificed his body and gave his bones to Lord Shiva as reverence. It is believed that the incident took place here and the temple idol shows Lord Kartikeya's bones.

Architecture

The temple is a marvel for its location rather than the temple structure. As with most Hindu temples, the Kartik Swami temple at Rudraprayag, has a pyramidical top with a modest cornice around the roof and an ornamental crown. The front of the temple has many bells and a boardwalk like structure leads to the temple at the edge of the hill.

Culture

Rudraprayag is a confluence of holy pilgrimages at one of the most spiritual locations in India. Long trek have brought people from different states together and serve one ultimate spiritual objective. Garhwali Culture continues to flourish here with all the positive influences of modern world. To say the least, it's an amalgamation of influences from different traditions of the immigrants settled here through out the history. Agriculture, tourism and religion is a way of life.

Darsan Info

Kartik Swami Temple  is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

No specific dress code to visit Kartik Swami Temple wear comfortable and warm clothes as it is almost a 3 Km trek amidst Himalayas.

Temple Rituals

Puja and Chanting

Special Rituals

Skanda Puran & Shiv Mahapuran Path in June