Why Visit Kalpeshwar?
Many trekking enthusiasts and devotees commence the Kalpeshwar trek as it offers stunning views of the untouched valley, the terraced fields, the dense woods, guiding the mortals to the shrine of Lord Shiva. One can see the old Kalpvriksha tree here, which is believed to grant the wishes of the devotees.
The Kalpeshwar trek starts from Urgam village where the buoyant Kalpganga River flows in eternity. This area has many sprawling apple orchards and potato farms. Earlier the trek route existed from Helang to Kalpeshwar via Urgam village, having a trek distance of 10 km. But now jeepable roads are available from Helang to Urgam, now it’s just 1 km trek to Kalpeshwar.
You can also visit the Budha Kedar temple, Dhyan Badri, and the Sapt Badri temple or the Seven Badri's that are in the proximity of Kalpeshwar.
Activities in Kalpeshwar
Pilgrimage: Kalpeshwar temple is one of the five Panch Kedar (shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva). As a result, Kalpeshwar is visited by thousands of devotees and pilgrims mostly Shaivites or devotees of Lord Shiva.
Trekking: Kalpeshwar shrine can be reached by completing an easy 11km trek from Helang village which takes one through beautiful valleys, lush green forests poised amidst natural surroundings. There are few trekking excursions one can partake in from Kalpeshwar.
Photography: The vantage of Kalpeshwar offers mesmerizing views of some of the great Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Bandarpoonch, and Kedarnath. One the clear weather, one can click pictures of these majestic peaks.
Staying in Kalpeshwar
Kalpeshwar doesn’t have accommodation options available as the temple is not as popular among pilgrims as Kedarnath or Badrinath. Still, the devotees or tourists who wish to go Kalpeshwar can stay at home stay accommodation at Urgam village. There is also a dharamshala in the temple premises where pilgrims could halt for the night. Apart from that, one can also setup tents in the vicinity of the temple.
Mythology about Kalpeshwar
There are several mythological tales related with Kalpeshwar, the first one states that after the bloodshed of Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas went on an anonymous journey to beg forgiveness from Lord Shiva. They searched everywhere but couldn't find the lord. After making several failed attempts, Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers was able to reckon Shiva who had taken the avatar of a bull.
When Bhima forcefully tried to hold the bull by its tail and hind legs, it immersed in the ground. Later, its body parts appeared in different places. It is said that the 'Jata' or the locks of Shiva appeared at Kalpeshwar.
While the other Hindu legend tells that sage Durvasa, known for his rage meditated under the Kalpavriksha tree, a wish-fulfilling tree located in the surroundings of the Kalpeshwar temple.
There is a small River Hirnaywati flowing just beside the Kalpeshwar Temple. This river meets River Alaknanda at Helong and the Confluence is called Tirveni.
There are other historical temples like Kedar dyul, Gora devi dyul temple, Nandi Nagkotha, Vishwkarma temple, Banga pani, Kalp Vriksha, Indra dhara, Amrit kund, Ghantakarana temple, Nanda devi temple and Dhyan Badri temple in Urgam Valley. Dhyan Badri temple is comes under the Panch Badri temples.
What is Kalpeshwar famous for?
Kalpeshwar is famous among tourist as Temple, Treks, Religious, Panch Kedar, Shiva Temple.
Kalpeshwar is recommended destination for Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.
Kalpeshwar is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Panch Kedar, Pilgrimage, Shiva Temples, Temples, Trekking.
