Kartik Swami Mahayaghya

The Kartik Swami temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and the elder son of Lord Shiva. He is also known as Lord Kartik Murugan Swami in Southern India. The temple is located near Kanakchauri village on the Rudraprayag - Pokhari route in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is perched on a ridge at the top of Kronch Parvat and offers stunning views of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath Dome, Meru & Sumeru, Chaukhamba Peak, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks. Apart from the pilgrimage and the breathtaking views, the trek to the temple also offers an opportunity for bird watching, camping, and village tourism. The Kartik Swami Mahayaghya and Gyan Katha is an eleven day event. The event is inaugurated with vedic chants and concludes with a grand Jal Kalash Yatra and Purnahuti. Daily, during the 11-day Mahayagya, a Bhandara is also organized for the devotees. The Kartik Poornima festival also has great significance at Kartik Swami temple as it is believed to be the day of Lord Kartikeya's birthday. A fair is held at the temple to commemorate the occasion. *  The exact dates of the festival depend upon the Hindu Calendar.