Kalpeshwar Temple

Kalpeshwar Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an elevation of 2,200 meters in the Urgam Valley of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is the fifth and final temple of the sacred Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. The temple is unique as it remains open throughout the year, unlike the other four Panch Kedar temples. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of his matted hair (Jata), housed within a small stone cave-like sanctum.

Visitors can expect a peaceful spiritual experience in a remote Himalayan setting. The journey involves a short trek of approximately 2 kilometers from Urgam village through terraced fields and forests. The temple itself is a small stone structure situated in a natural cave passage. The surroundings feature lush greenery, apple orchards, and the flowing Kalpganga River. The atmosphere is serene and less crowded compared to other major pilgrimage sites.

According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Shiva disguised himself as a bull and hid in the Garhwal region. When discovered, he dove into the ground, reappearing in five parts. Kalpeshwar is where his matted hair (Jata) appeared. The temple is believed to have been established by the Pandavas.

Kalpeshwar is one of the five sacred Panch Kedar temples, representing the Jata (hair) of Lord Shiva. It holds immense religious importance for Hindu pilgrims completing the Panch Kedar Yatra. The priests are Dasnamis and Gossains, disciples of Adi Shankara.