Urgam Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple (Panch Kedar)- Uttarakhand

Address

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

Diety

Kalpeshwar

Introduction

Kalpeshwar Temple is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the scenic Urgam valley in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Kalpeshwar Temple is located at an elevation of 2,200 meters (7,217.8 feet) in the beautiful Urgam valley.

Puranic Significance

Panch Kedar Pilgrimage:

Kalpeshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples, which form a group of five sacred temples dedicated to different forms of Lord Shiva. The other four temples in this circuit are Kedarnath, Rudranath, Tungnath, and Madhyamaheshwar. Each temple is associated with a specific body part of Lord Shiva. Kalpeshwar is the fifth temple in this pilgrimage.

The Legend of the Pandavas:

According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for their sins after the Mahabharata war. They were advised by the sage Vyas Rishi that only Lord Shiva could absolve their guilt. Shiva initially eluded them but ultimately revealed himself as a bull and took refuge in an underground sanctuary at Guptakashi. The Pandavas pursued Shiva, but his body parts rematerialized at five different locations, leading to the establishment of the Panch Kedar temples, with each temple associated with a part of Shiva’s body. Kalpeshwar is linked to Shiva’s jata (hair).

Special Features

Year-Round Accessibility:

Kalpeshwar is unique among the Panch Kedar temples as it remains accessible throughout the year. Pilgrims can visit the temple without seasonal restrictions.

Unique Form of Lord Shiva:

Kalpeshwar Temple houses a small stone idol of Lord Shiva, worshipped in his divine form of Jatas (Hairs). Lord Shiva is also known as Jatadhar or Jateshwar in this temple.

Kalpavriksha (Wish-Granting Tree):

A significant feature of Kalpeshwar is the presence of the Kalpavriksha tree. In Hindu mythology, the Kalpavriksha is a divine tree believed to grant wishes. It adds to the sanctity of the temple.