Hidden Himalayan Gem – Only Kartik Swami Temple in North India
Kartik Swami Temple is a rare and revered temple dedicated to Kartikeya (Murugan/Subrahmanya) – the son of Lord Shiva and the god of war. It is located at an altitude of 3,048 meters on a rocky hilltop near Kransen village in the Rudraprayag district. This is the only known temple of Lord Kartikeya in North India.
The temple offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Garhwal Himalayan peaks including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli ranges. The trek to the temple passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests.
| Day | Route | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Haridwar → Rudraprayag | Drive 158 km. Evening Rudraprayag sangam darshan. |
| Day 2 | Rudraprayag → Kransen → Kartik Swami | Drive 17 km to Kransen, 3 km trek to temple. Panoramic Himalayan views. |
| Day 3 | Kartik Swami → Haridwar | Morning puja, descend, drive back to Haridwar. |
According to the Skanda Purana, after a competition with his brother Ganesha to circumambulate the universe, Kartikeya came to this hilltop in disappointment. It was here that Kartikeya is believed to have left his childhood form behind and attained divine consciousness. Hence, the temple holds special importance for Kartikeya devotees throughout India.