KARTIK SWAMI TEMPLE believed that Kartikeya had dedicated his ashes to Lord Shiva at this place. According to the legend, one day Lord Shiva told Ganesha and Kartikeya that the one among you who goes around the universe first, will be worshiped before all other gods and goddesses. Kartikeya left to go round the universe, but Ganesha went round Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati and said that for me both of you are the universe. Lord Shiva was pleased and told Ganesha that from today you will be worshiped first. When Kartikeya came after circumambulating the universe and came to know about all these things, he left his body and dedicated his bones to Lord Shiva.
How To Reach
KARTIK SWAMI TEMPLE
Kartik Swami Temple is located near Kanakchuri Village of Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is a 3km trek from Kanakchuri village. This temple is dedicated to Lord Kartik, elder son of Lord Shiva.
If you are traveling by road from Delhi, the distance from Delhi to Kartik Swami Temple is approximately 405 km. Buses and taxis are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Rishikesh for your initial journey. Then from Rishikesh, head to Rudraprayag. Finally, from Rudraprayag, you can take a local bus or sharing cabs to Kanakchuri. This will bring you closer to the Kartik Swami Temple.
If you prefer to travel by air, nearest airport to Kartik Swami Temple is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun which is approximately 220km. From airport, you can hire taxi to Kanakchuri.
If you prefer to travel by train, Rishikesh railway station is the nearest station to Kartik Swami Temple which is approximately 175km. From station, local buses, taxis and sharing cabs are available to Rudraprayag and for further journey to Kanakchuri.