Kartik Swami Temple, Uttarakhand
Dedicated to Lord Shiva's elder son, Kartikeya, Kartik Swami is a temple of mystic ambiance and exquisite views. The popular Hindu temple is perched on a hilltop at an elevation of 3050 m and is situated near Kanak Chauri Village on the Rudraprayag-Pokhari route in the district of Rudraprayag of the state Uttarakhand. To reach the temple, one has to undergo a 3 km thrilling trek that starts from Kanak Chauri Village. The route of the trek is rugged but it assures astonishing verdure to relish the exquisiteness of nature. The religious site in the Garhwal Himalayas that is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya has a strong history behind it. As per Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva challenged his sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya that whoever will first take seven rounds of the universe will have the honor to be worshiped first. Hearing that, Lord Kartikeya headed off to circle the universe on his vehicle, whereas, Lord Ganesha took seven rounds of his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Impressed by Ganesha, Lord Shiva gave him the privilege of being worshipped first. Resultant, Lord Kartikeya showed his anger on the decision and sacrificed his body and bones to his father as reverence.
It is believed that this whole incident took place here, and thus, the temple is named Kartik Swami. Lord Kartikeya is also known as Lord Kartik Murugan in South India, where he is believed to have settled later. Apart from being a prominent tourist attraction, Kartik Swami is also renowned for offering magnificent sunrise and heart-melting sunset views. Evening prayers, chanting of mantras, and maha Bhandara are the major attractions of the temple for tourists. Moreover, the shrine houses an idol of Lord Kartikeya, and here few festivals and events like Kartik Poornima and 11-days-long Kailash Yatra are observed with much zeal. Once here, one has the chance to view some top attractions standing in the form of snow-clad Himalayan peaks of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath Dome, Meru & Sumeru, Chaukhamba Peak, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, and Nanda Devi group of peaks. Apart from the breathtaking views and indescribable feeling, the trek to the temple also offers an opportunity for bird watching, camping, and village tourism.
History
Kartik Swami Temple is a highly revered shrine set amidst serene environs, at an altitude of 3048 m above sea level, in Rudraprayag District, Uttaranchal. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya. The splendor of the magnificent views of the snow-clad Himalayas from the temple fills the heart with awe and delight.
There is a legend that once Lord Shiva told their sons Lord Kartik and Lord Ganesha that, one of them will get the privilege to worship first who take a round of the universe and comes first. Kartik started taking round but Lord Ganesha shows his intelligence and takes a round of Lord Shiva by saying that the whole universe is in him. Lord Shiva was impressed by his intelligence and gave the privilege to worship first.
By this Lord, Kartik got angry and gave his flesh to his mother Parvati and bones to his father Lord Shiva. In this temple, the bones of the Kartik are shown in the idol.