Visit to Lord Kartik Swami Temple in Uttrakhand in March, 2025

Photo copyright © Satyabrata Maiti

In continuation……..

A visit to Koteshwar Mahadev temple in Uttrakahand during March, 2025

After visiting Koteshwar Mahadev Temple we reached Kanakchori village on 21-Mar-2025   in the evening and stayed in Mountain home stay booked by Diwan Ji. It was very simple yet a comfortable stay. We had dinner with rice, roti, dal  and sabji cooked by the owner. We got up early next day (22-Mar-2025) and left the homestay at 4:30 am for the trekking so that we can reach the temple to see first sun-rays falling on the temple and peaks in the back ground of the temple.

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is home to many Hindu mythological places; some are popular while others are not-so- often referred, like the one associated with Lord Kartikeya. Perched on a hilltop near the village of Kanakchauri, Rudraprayag, the Kartik Swami temple is one of the most prominent ones dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son Lord Kartik, in the state. Situated atop Kronch Parvat, the temple pays homage to Lord Kartik, also known as Lord Muruga or Lord Murugan in some parts of India.

While there are many legends about this temple, the most popular one dates back to the era when the two sons of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartik and Lord Ganesha – were asked to circumambulate (pratakshina) the universe seven times in order to win “gnana phal” (fruit of knowledge). Lord Kartik set off on the expedition for undertaking the challenging task of taking seven rounds of the universe using his vehicle, peacock. Whereas, Lord Ganesha circumambulate his parents, referring them as his universe. When Lord Kartik returned and learnt of how Lord Ganesha had completed the task and secured the appreciation of Lord Shiva, he felt cheated and was enraged. The Puranas say that the angry Lord Kartik left Kailash, his parents’ abode, and arrived at Kronch Parvat and sacrificed his physical self. Some legends say that after this, Lord Kartik went to a mountain named Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Southern India.

Our trekking was thrilling through the forest in the darkness. We reached the temple well in advance of sunrise. It was a mystic exciting journey full of new experiences.

The Kartik Swami temple can be reached by a tranquil 3-km trekking from the Kanakchauri village, followed by around 380 steps leading to the temple. The village is about 40 km from Rudraprayag. The trek offers enchanting views of Bandarpunch, Kedarnath Dome and Chaukhamba Peak.

The temple sits atop the hill and very cute yet majestic. The clear view of the surrounding mountain peaks from the Kartik Swami Temple is awesome, inspiring with the full range of Himalayan peaks. Sunrise was dramatic. We were fortunate to witness the mystic morning hours which was a little misty but clear. We could capture stunning shots of the surrounding mountain ranges from a hilltop point behind the temple.

Due to its altitude and the dense forests surrounding the area, the Kartik Swami temple is also a perfect site for bird-watching. We could capture eagles in the background of forest cover, Kalij Pheasant and Koklass Pheasant and  some other birds.

The best time to visit the temple is from October to June. A large number of devotees visit the temple during Kartik Purnima, which is usually celebrated between October and November. However, we planned to visit during March, coinciding the flowering of Rhododendrons since this trek is having good number of the species on the way.

Tourists visiting Kartik swami temple have to pay a fee to the forest department as follows:

1. Indian tourists: INR 50.00
2. Foreign tourists: INR 100.00
3. Camera: INR 200.00

When we started our trekking it was too early in the morning and  there was nobody in the check post for collection of the fees, however, while on our return we paid the fees.

We reached back to our home stay by 10:30 am and left Kanakchori  at 11:15 am for going to Sari village via Ukhimath and reached Sari village by 3:40 pm for the night halt in Mayur home stay run by our guide, Diwan Singh Negi.

(Note: Lord Kartik’s influence is also believed to exist among Yazidi  population who roots in Indo-Iranian traditions in Santana Hindu faith. Recently, demand for a separate land for Yazidis is gaining as “Kartikestan”. Yazidis became victim of ISIS because of their non-acceptance of Islam. They were tortured, killed and raped for years which has been narrated by Ms Nadia Murad, Nobel peace prize winner who was  also a victim of Islamic intolerance.)

(To be continued….)

Jai Bharat!

Satyabrata Maiti

Acknowledgement

My sincere thanks to:

1. Pradeep for driving us to the temple site
2. Dr. Geetha for accompanying me in my trekking trip

References

1. Wikipedia
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yazidi
3. https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Ms+Nadia+Murad&mid=22D002CBBECBA79D704F22D002CBBECBA79D704F&FORM=VIRE
4. Other online literatures