- Murugan
Kartik Swami Temple
- Rudraprayag,Uttarakhand
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Overview
The Kartik Swami temple is located near Kanak Chauri village on the Rudraprayag to Pokhari route in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. A three km trek from Kanak Chauri village takes you to the Kartik Swami temple.
This temple is dedicated to the elder son of Lord Shiva, Kartikeya, who offered his bones to his father here. Lord Kartik Swami is also called as Kartik Murugan Swami in the south of India.
A sound from hundreds of bells hung in the temple can be heard at a distance of 800 metres from here. The 80 stairs from the main road leads you to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Evening prayers or Sandhya Aarti, enchantment of mantras and Maha-bhandara (grand feast) organised at the temple is a special attraction for devotees.
About The Deity
Kartik Swami, the God of War and Victory, is called Murugan Swami in Tamil Nadu and Subramanya in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Kartikeya in West Bengal.
Legend and Stories
According to mythology, Lord Shiva told his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya thatone who will be the first to take seven rounds of the universe will be worshiped first.
Lord Ganesha took seven rounds around Shiva and Parvati, while Kartikeya circled the universe. Impressed, Shiva gave him the honour of being worshipped first. Angered, Kartikeya sacrificed his body and gave his bones to Lord Shiva as a sign of devotion.
Festivals
Kartik Poornima during November and 11 day Kalash Yatra during June.
Best Time to Visit
The months of October to June
Accommodation
Here, there are not many options for accommodation. The small guest house, run by the local villagers, offers only basic facilities. Those looking for deluxe accommodation should book their stay at Rudraprayag.
Accessibility
Airport
The Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest air base located at a distance of 183 km from the Rudraprayag town. It is well connected with all the major cities in India.
Railways
The Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Rudraprayag. It is a small railway station with few trains.
Road
One has to board a bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Rudraprayag. Kartik Swami temple is only 40kms from Rudraprayag on the Rudraprayag to Pokhari route. One can hire a taxi from Rudraprayag.
Temple Address
Kartik Swami Temple,
Malkhi, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand,
Pin code – 246425.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Protection
- Wisdom
- Energy
- Forgiveness for past deeds
- Neutralize the malefic effects of Mars
- Good Health
Shlokas
Shadaananam Chandana Liptha Gathram Mahorasam Divya Mayoora Vaahanam Rudrasya Soonum Suraloka Naatham Brahmanya Devam Charanam Prapadye
Meaning -I always take refuge in the 6 faced Lord Guha, who has sandal paste smeared over his body, who is broad-chested, whose vehicle is the peacock, who is Lord Shiva's son and who leads the army of the Devas.
Heyswami Natha Karunakara Dheenabandho Shree Parvatheesha Mukha Pankaja Padmabandho Shree Saadhi Devagana Poojitha Padha Padma Vallesa Nadha Mama Dehi Karaavalambham
Meaning -O! Merciful Lord Swaminatha, who cares for the poor, who is the sun to Lord Shiva's lotus face, whose lotus feet are acknowledged by Lord Vishnu and the others, Valli's Lord, please uplift me by lending me your hand.
Ariru Thadanthozh Vazhga Arumugam Vazhga Veppai Kooru Sei Thanivel Vazhga Kukkudum Vazhga Sevvel Yeriya Magnai Vazhga Aanai Thun Anangu Vazhga Maarila Valli Vazhga Vazhga Seer Adiyar Yellam
Meaning -Oh Muruga, we hail your 12 strong shoulders for they protect us from our enemies, we hail your 6 faces, we hail the Vel, your weapon that broke apart the Krounja mountain to reveal the asura in it. We hail the bird, the cock, that is part of your symbol in the flag. We hail your peacock, that takes you all over the world, we hail your consort Devyani, who was brought up by Indra's white elephant, Airavadam, we hail your other consort, the flawless Valli. And we hail your Bhaktas who worship you as a prayer.
Uruvai Aruvai Uladhai Iladhai Maruvai Malarai Maniyai Oliyai Karuvai Uyirai Gadhiyai Vidhiyai Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhaney
Meaning -O Lord Muruga, you have form and you are formless, you have everything and have nothing, you who exist in the smallest, in flowers, in a bell's ring, in the light. You are the embryo, the life, destiny and fate. Bestow your blessings on us as our guru.