Urgam Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple (Panch Kedar)- Uttarakhand

Address

Urgam Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple (Panch Kedar)- Urgam, Garhwal District Uttarakhand 246443

Deity

Kalpeshwar

Introduction

• Location: Kalpeshwar Temple is situated in the scenic Urgam valley of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, India, at an elevation of 2,200 meters (7,218 feet).
• Significance: This temple is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, making it an important site for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance:

• Panch Kedar Pilgrimage: Kalpeshwar Temple is the fifth and final temple in the Panch Kedar circuit. The other four temples are Kedarnath, Rudranath, Tungnath, and Madhyamaheshwar. Each temple is associated with a different body part of Lord Shiva, and Kalpeshwar is linked to Shiva’s jata (hair).
• Legend of the Pandavas: The temple is closely associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Seeking forgiveness for their sins, the Pandavas pursued Lord Shiva, who initially avoided them by taking the form of a bull. His body parts reappeared at five locations, including Kalpeshwar, where his jata (hair) is worshipped.

Special Features:

• Year-Round Accessibility: Kalpeshwar is unique among the Panch Kedar temples as it remains accessible throughout the year, unlike some of the others that are closed during winter.
• Unique Form of Lord Shiva: The temple houses a small stone idol of Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of Jatas (hair). This form highlights the temple’s distinctiveness in the Panch Kedar circuit.
• Kalpavriksha (Wish-Granting Tree): The presence of the Kalpavriksha tree, believed to grant wishes, adds to the temple’s sanctity and allure. In Hindu mythology, the Kalpavriksha is considered a divine tree with the power to fulfill desires.

Festivals:

• Maha Shivaratri: The temple celebrates Maha Shivaratri, attracting devotees who come to participate in the rituals and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Urgam

Nearest Railway Station

Rishikesh Station

Nearest Airport

Jolly grant- Dehradun

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