Kalpeshwar Temple: The Last Panch Kedar

Where is the Kalpeshwar Temple Located?

Kalpeshwar Temple, the last of the Panch Kedar Pilgrimage, is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Shiva Temple. It is situated at 2,200 metres above sea level in the Urgam Valley in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand.

It is the only temple in the Panch Kedar which remains open throughout the year. This temple has its religious significance as it is believed that the hairs or jatta of the mighty Lord Shiva are worshipped here in this temple.

Thousands of devotees visit this temple to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. Also, for adventure lovers, an 11 km trek from Helang village awaits you with spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas.

Though, you can travel by motor vehicle till Devgram, from where the temple is a mere 300 metres. Also, you can trek to Bansi Narayan from Devgram too.

History of Kalpeshwar Temple

After the war of Mahabharata, Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to absolve them of their sins of killing their brethren and the brahmins.

Lord Shiva was hiding in the Garhwal Himalayas (Guptkashi) of Uttrakhand in the form of a bull.

The legend goes that when Bhima, the second born of the Pandavas, recognized Lord Shiva as the bull, he got hold of it from the hind legs and the tail.

It is believed that when Lord Shankar (the bull) disappeared in the ground, different body parts of the lord shiva (bull) re-emerged at different places in Uttarakhand Himalayas. The Pandavas are believed to construct temples appeasing Lord Shiva at these places, collectively known as panch kedars.

Kalpeshawar Temple is the place where his hair or Jatta was found. It is also why Lord Shiva is also known as ‘Jathedar’ or ‘Jateshwar’.

Some Facts About the Kalpeshwar Temple

Kalpeshwar Temple is a small stone temple and has an idol of Lord Shiva. Kalpeshwar temple is also famous for the Kalpavriksha tree. Hindu mythology says that this tree can grant wishes.

Lush green forests and fantastic sceneries surround this temple. Interestingly, it is the only one of the panch kedars `open throughout the year.

The morning aarti starts at 06:00 AM and Evening Aarti starts at 07:00 PM in the Kalpeshwar Temple.

This temple is built in the Nagara architectural style, and temple priests are the disciples of Adi Shankara.

Kalpeshwar temple also offers mesmerizing views of the great Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Bandarpoonch and Kedarnath.

Also, the river Hirnaywati flows beside the Kalpeshwar Temple.

The best time to visit Kalpeshwar is from May-June and September-October. However, it is open round the year.

How to Reach Kalpeshwar Temple?

Kalpeshwar Temple is Located in Urgam Valley of the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand and can be reached by a short (300 metres) walk from Devgram.  Devgram is at a distance of 12 KM from Helang, a small hamlet on the Badrinath highway.

For trekking enthusiasts, there is a 10 km trek that they can take from Helang.

By Air

You can land at the Jolly Grant Airport near Rishikesh, 268 KM away from the temple. Taxis are available from this airport to Joshimath and Urgam village, from where there is a simple trek to Kalpeshwar.

By Road

You can take a taxi to Urgam from major cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Rudraprayag and Joshimath. Devgram is around 6 KM from Urgam, where the temple is a mere 300 metres walk.

Also, you can visit the Kalpeshwar Temple in your car or bike as well. Just make sure the vehicle is in good condition.

By Rail

Rishikesh Railway station is the nearest railway station 273 km from the temple. You can also hire a taxi from Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh to Urgam village.

Major Cities Near the Kalpeshwar Temple

Other places to see near Kalpeshwar Temple