Kalpeshwar Temple: 5th Panch Kedar

Kalpeshwar Temple (Sanskrit: कल्पेश्वर) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an elevation of 2,134 meters (7,001 feet) above sea level in the Urgam valley, about 30 kilometers from Joshimath. Kalpeshwar is one of the five Panch Kedar temples, the most sacred Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas.

पञ्चकेदारमूर्द्धन्यांध्यातः काल्पेश्वरः शुभः।कल्पकोटिभिर्जुष्टोयेन त्राहि जगत्कृशम्।

Translation:

On the crest of the five Kedars,The auspicious Kalpeshwara is meditated upon.Worshipped by millions of kalpas,He is the one who saves the distressed world.

This shloka praises Kalpeshwara as the supreme among the five Kedar temples, and as the one who saves the world from suffering. It is a popular verse among devotees of Lord Shiva, and is often recited during pilgrimages to Kalpeshwar Temple.

Kalpeshwara Temple History:

The temple’s history is linked to the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata epic. After the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for the sins they had committed. Shiva tried to evade them by taking the form of a bull, but they eventually tracked him down to the Kalpeshwar Valley. When Bhima, one of the Pandavas, tried to grab the bull by its tail, it vanished into the ground, leaving behind its matted locks (jata). The Pandavas then built a temple to worship Shiva’s jata at this site.

Another legend associated with the Kalpeshwar Temple is that of the sage Durvasa. Durvasa was known for his quick temper, and one day he cursed Indra, the king of the gods, for his arrogance. Indra lost his throne and was forced to live in exile. He came to the Kalpeshwar Valley to perform penance and seek Shiva’s forgiveness. Shiva was pleased with Indra’s devotion and restored him to his throne.

The Kalpeshwar Temple is a small, stone temple that is approached through a cave passage. The temple’s main deity is a lingam that is said to represent Shiva’s jata. The temple is also home to a number of other deities, including Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.

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Legend of Kalpeshwar Temple:

According to legend, the Kalpeshwar Temple is one of the five Panch Kedar temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, built the temple to seek forgiveness for the sins they committed during the Kurukshetra War.

The legend goes that after the war, the Pandavas wanted to meet Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. They traveled to the Himalayas, but Shiva was displeased with their actions and decided to elude them. He took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground.

The Pandavas chased the bull, but it was faster than them. Finally, they caught up with the bull at Kalpeshwar. Bhima, the strongest of the Pandavas, grabbed the bull by its tail. However, the bull vanished underground, leaving behind its matted hair. The Pandavas realized that they had found Lord Shiva, and they built a temple at that spot to worship him.

The Kalpeshwar Temple is unique because the main deity is not a traditional idol, but rather a natural rock formation that resembles Lord Shiva’s matted hair. This natural creation is known as the jata, and it is revered by pilgrims from all over the world.

The Kalpeshwar Temple is located in the Urgam Valley in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. It is accessible throughout the year, unlike the other Panch Kedar temples, which are closed during the winter months.

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Significance of Kalpeshwar Temple:

• It is one of the five Panch Kedar temples, which are among the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.
• It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva concealed himself to evade the Pandavas during their search for redemption after the Kurukshetra war.
• It is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year, making it a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees from all over India.
• The temple is also believed to have the power to absolve sins and grant salvation to those who worship there with devotion.

Myths and Beliefs associated with Kalpeshwar Temple:

• According to the Skanda Purana, Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where Lord Shiva will dance the Tandava dance at the end of the world. The Tandava dance is a cosmic dance that represents the destruction and recreation of the universe.
• It is believed that Lord Shiva himself created the Kalpeshwar Jyotirlinga. The Jyotirlinga is a lingam that is said to have been created by Lord Shiva himself. There are twelve Jyotirlingas in India, and Kalpeshwar is one of them.
• It is believed that the Kalpeshwar Jyotirlinga is self-manifested. This means that it did not appear as a result of human intervention. It is a natural lingam that is said to have emerged from the earth.
• Kalpeshwar Temple is also known as the “Temple of the Eternal Shivlinga.” This is because it is believed that the Jyotirlinga at the temple will never be destroyed. Even if the temple is destroyed, the Jyotirlinga will remain intact.
• Kalpeshwar Temple is a sacred place for Hindus and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The temple is especially popular during the Shivratri festival.

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Here are some other interesting beliefs associated with Kalpeshwar Temple:

• It is believed that if you bathe in the sacred waters of the temple, you will be cured of all your diseases.
• It is also believed that if you meditate at the temple, you will achieve enlightenment.
• It is said that the temple is protected by a powerful Naga (serpent) god. The Naga god is said to live in the nearby lake and to protect the temple from harm.
• There is also a belief that the temple is the gateway to heaven. It is said that if you die at the temple, you will go straight to heaven.

Kalpeshwar Temple Trek:

The Kalpeshwar Temple trek is the easiest of the Panch Kedar treks. It is a short and relatively easy trek, even for beginners. The trail passes through lush green forests, meadows, and villages. The trek also offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti.

Trekking route:

The trek to Kalpeshwar Temple starts from the village of Urgam. Urgam is a small village located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath road. From Urgam, the trek to the temple is just 300 meters long. The trail is well-defined and easy to follow.

The trek starts with a gradual climb through a forest. After about 15 minutes, the trail opens up into a meadow. From the meadow, you can see the Kalpeshwar Temple in the distance. The trail then continues through the meadow and then climbs again to reach the temple.

Trek difficulty:

The Kalpeshwar Temple trek is an easy trek, even for beginners. The total distance of the trek is just 300 meters and the elevation gain is minimal. However, the trek can be challenging during the monsoon season due to the slippery trail conditions.

Best time to trek:

The best time to trek to Kalpeshwar Temple is during the summer months (April to June) and the autumn months (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The trek can also be done during the winter months (December to February), but the weather can be cold and there is a possibility of snowfall.

Things to carry:

• Trekking shoes
• Backpack
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Raincoat (if trekking during the monsoon season)
• Warm clothes (if trekking during the winter months)

Accommodation and food:

There are a few guesthouses and lodges available in Urgam village. You can also find food stalls and restaurants in the village.

Tips for trekking to Kalpeshwar Temple:

• Start early in the morning to avoid the heat.
• Carry plenty of water and snacks.
• Wear comfortable trekking shoes.
• Take breaks at regular intervals.
• Be aware of the altitude and acclimatize yourself gradually.
• Be prepared for all weather conditions.

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Places to visit near Kalpeshwar Temple:

Joshimath: It is a popular pilgrimage site and a gateway to several trekking routes. The town is also known for its ancient temples.

Badrinath: Another important pilgrimage site, Badrinath is one of the Char Dham destinations and is known for the Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Mana Village: Known as the last Indian village before the Tibetan border, Mana is a quaint and scenic village with cultural and natural attractions.

Vasudhara Falls: A beautiful waterfall located near Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush greenery.

Auli: Famous for its skiing resorts and panoramic views of the Himalayas, Auli is a great place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Nanda Devi National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, as well as stunning landscapes.

Tungnath Temple: One of the Panch Kedar temples, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Chopta: Known as the “Mini Switzerland” of Uttarakhand, Chopta is a beautiful hill station and base for the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila.

Deoria Tal: A serene lake surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks, Deoria Tal offers stunning reflections of the surrounding landscape.

Rudraprayag: Situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, Rudraprayag is a sacred town and a starting point for the trek to Kedarnath.

FAQ:

What is Kalpeshwar Temple?

Kalpeshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the Urgam Valley of the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the five Panch Kedar temples, which are considered to be the most sacred Shiva temples in the Himalayas.

What is Kalpeshwar temple famous for?

Kalpeshwar Temple is famous for being the fifth and last of the Panch Kedar temples, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also famous for being the only Panch Kedar temple that remains open throughout the year.

Kalpeshwar Temple is also famous for the matted hair of Lord Shiva, which is worshipped at the temple. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva disappeared from Kedar village to avoid the Pandavas, but his matted hair remained. The Pandavas then built a temple to worship the matted hair of Lord Shiva.

Kalpeshwar Temple is also famous for its scenic beauty. It is located in the Urgam Valley, which is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains. The temple is also located near the Kalpavriksha tree, which is said to be a wish-granting tree.

Where is Kalpeshwar Temple located?

Kalpeshwar Temple is located in the Urgam Valley of the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, India. It is accessible by a 12 km trek from the nearest road head at Helong.

Is Kalpeshwar Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, Kalpeshwar Temple is open throughout the year. It is the only one of the five Panch Kedar temples that remains open during the winter months.

What is the best time to visit Kalpeshwar Temple?

The best time to visit Kalpeshwar Temple is during the summer months (April to June) and the autumn months (September to October). The weather during these months is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for trekking and visiting the temple.

Getting to Kalpeshwar Temple

What is the nearest airport to Kalpeshwar Temple?

The nearest airport to Kalpeshwar Temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It is located about 268 km from the temple.

What is the nearest railway station to Kalpeshwar Temple?

The nearest railway station to Kalpeshwar Temple is Rishikesh Railway Station in Uttarakhand, India. It is located about 251 km from the temple.

How do I get to Kalpeshwar Temple from Jolly Grant Airport?

You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Helong. From Helong, you can trek to Kalpeshwar Temple.

How do I get to Kalpeshwar Temple from Rishikesh Railway Station?

You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Rishikesh Railway Station to Helong. From Helong, you can trek to Kalpeshwar Temple.

Can we go Kalpeshwar by car?

Yes, you can go to Kalpeshwar Temple by car. Please note that the road conditions to Kalpeshwar Temple can be challenging, especially during the winter months. It is important to drive carefully and be aware of the potential hazards. For directions to the temple, you may check Google Maps below.

Trekking to Kalpeshwar Temple

How difficult is the trek to Kalpeshwar Temple?

The trek to Kalpeshwar Temple is considered to be moderate to difficult. It is a 12 km trek with a total elevation gain of about 1000 meters. The trek is steep in sections and can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding.

What type of clothing and gear do I need for the trek to Kalpeshwar Temple?

You should wear comfortable trekking shoes or boots, and long pants. You should also bring a backpack with plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. It is also a good idea to bring a rain jacket and a hat.

Are there any guesthouses or hotels along the trek to Kalpeshwar Temple?

There are a few guesthouses and hotels along the trek to Kalpeshwar Temple, but they are limited in number. It is a good idea to book your accommodation in advance.

Other

What is the significance of Kalpeshwar Temple?

Kalpeshwar Temple is one of the five Panch Kedar temples, which are considered to be the most sacred Shiva temples in the Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to the matted hair of Lord Shiva.

What are the rituals at Kalpeshwar Temple?

Pilgrims who visit Kalpeshwar Temple typically bathe in the Mandakini River before entering the temple. They then offer prayers and flowers to Lord Shiva. Some pilgrims also perform abhishekam, which is a ritual of bathing the deity with water, milk, and other offerings.

Is there anything else I should know about Kalpeshwar Temple?

Kalpeshwar Temple is a sacred Hindu temple, so it is important to dress respectfully when visiting. You should also remove your shoes before entering the temple.

How to reach Kalpeshwar Temple:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 318 kilometers away from Kalpeshwar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of transportation to reach Joshimath, which is the base for the journey to Kalpeshwar.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 296 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath.

By Road: Joshimath serves as the base for the trek to Kalpeshwar. From Joshimath, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Helang. Helang is the last motorable point. From Helang, the trek to Kalpeshwar begins.

Trek to Kalpeshwar: The trek from Helang to Kalpeshwar is approximately 10 kilometers and involves a moderate level of difficulty. It takes you through picturesque landscapes and dense forests. The trek can take around 4-6 hours depending on your pace.

Google Maps: