There is a legend that once Lord Shiva told their sons Lord Kartik and Lord Ganesha that,one of them will get the privilege to worship first who take round of the universe and comes first.Kartik started taking round but Lord Ganesha shows his intelligence and take round of the Lord Shiva by saying that whole universe is in him. Lord Shiva impressed by his intelligence and gave the privilege to worship first.

By this Lord Kartik got angry and given his flesh to mother Parvati and bones to his father Lord Shiva.In this temples the bones of the kartik shown in the idol.

Kartik Swami Temple is a highly revered shrine set amidst serene environs, at an altitude of 3048 m above the sea level, in Rudraprayag District, Uttaranchal.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya, can be reached by a 3 km trek from Kanak Chauri village, which is located on the Rudraprayag-Pokhri route, 38 km from Rudraprayag.

The splendor of the magnificent views of the snow-clad Himalayas from the temple fills the heart with awe and delight.

The Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva (the destroyer) told his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya that one of them, who will be the first to take seven rounds of the universe will have the privilege of being worshiped first.

Ganesha took seven rounds around Shiva and Parvati, while Kartikeya faithfully circled the universe. Impressed by Ganesha, Shiva gave him the honour of being worshipped before anyone. Angered by this, Kartikeya sacrificed his body and gave his bones to Lord Shiva as reverence.

Getting There

The best way to reach Kartik Swami is to board a bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Rudraprayag. Kartik Swami temple is only 40kms from Rudraprayag on Rudraprayag - Pokhari route. You can hire a taxi from Rudraprayag or take a shared one.