KALPESHWAR
Kalpeshwar is a beautiful location in the lovely Urgam valley where the nature is ablaze with the magnificent colours of lovely apple orchards and picturesque sceneries. This remote locale at a height of 2134 meters boast of a celebrated myth that has a close link with the mighty Pandavas. In Kalpeswar one can feel the aura of a legendary site since this place is a preferred location of meditating ascetics. They might be following the footsteps of the great sages Arghya and durvasa who had chosen Kalpeswar as their favourite place of meditation.
Deeply rooted mythical beliefs are the most exhilarating attractions in this tiny hamlet in the inner Himalayas. One among the Panchakedars of Shaivite traditions, Kalpeswar presents the unparalleled beauty of a typical Himalayan landscape. Besides the imposing snowy peaks this place is bestowed with a lively valley where the gushing streams, deep woods, placid lakes make the ambience extremely beautiful. Tourists would be amazed to accept the warmth and hospitality of the innocent hilly people. Trekking in this rocky terrain is a favorite where the trekkers are provided with the some of the hardest trekking routes. Trekking through this enchanting countryside is a remarkable experience since it unwraps the wild beauty of the Himalayas in its entirety. Trekking through the meandering routes unfurls the glossy nature and the trekkers would feel the fresh aroma of the greenery. The trekkers are in the midst of forest areas of rich flora and fauna, which has its own peculiar characteristics. Visiting Kalpeswar would be a matchless experience since it coalesces pilgrimage with expedition. While the tricky routes and the arresting sceneries commands the attention of a casual trekker, the divinity and holiness of the place fills the minds of the devotees.
Kalpeshwar is situated at Kalpeshwar in the beautiful Urgam Valley. Nestled at an altitude of 2,134 m, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of the Pancha or Five Kedar shrines. Kalpeshwar can be reached by a 10 km trek from Rudranath to Helong. According to a popular legend, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins after the battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and hid himself at Guptakashi. When Pandavas spotted him at Gupatakashi, Shiva tried fleeing and took the form of a bull at Kedarnath. On being followed by the Pandava brothers, he dived into the ground and disappeared; only his hump could be seen. Bhim, the second Pandava brother, jumped on this hump and tried to catch hold of the bull by his hump. It is believed that just as bull's hump appeared in Kedarnath, his belly appeared in Madmaheshwar Temple, his limbs at Tungnath Temple, his head and hair at Kalpeshwar, and his face at Rudranath Temple. All these five temples are together known as Panchakedar and a pilgrimage of all these five shrines is considered holy by the Hindus. At Kalpeshwar, Shiva is worshipped in the form of matted hair.
| ||
