urvashi temple badrinath
CategoriesTemples Travel and Tourism By Garhwali Traveller

Urvashi Apsara Temple Badrinath Uttarakhand

Urvashi temple is an ancient temple of goddess Urvashi devi located in the Badrinath region of Chamoli district. Devi Urvashi was created from the left lotus thigh of Lord Vishnu(Narayana) in Badrikashrama.

This temple is located just 1.5 Km away from the Badrinath temple on the holy bank of river Alaknanda in the Bamini village. If you are in Badrinath then you must consider visiting this temple also, it is easily accessible by walking.

The Urvashi temple is set against the backdrop of Urvashi Parvat, Narayana Parvat and Nilkanth Parvat. There is also a beautiful waterfall of Rishi Ganga which enhances the beauty of this location. From here you can see the panoramic views of Nara Parvata along with other snow-capped peaks and mountains. If you are a nature lover then you are going to love this place. Urvashi temple is one of the best places to visit nearby Badrinath and Mana village.

Vedic History of Urvashi Temple

The Urvashi Temple is located at the site where Devi Urvashi appeared from the thighs of Lord Vishnu(also known as Narayana). Lord Narayana was engaged in penances here along with Nara.

The 4th canto of holy Bhagwad Purana explains the appearance of Sri Nara – Narayana as the son of Dharma Prajapati and his wife Murti Devi.

After the appearance of Sri Nara – Narayana at this place, the entire world was in a joyous mood and there was absolute serenity everywhere.

There were celebrations all around the world and on different planets. The Kinnaras and Gandharvas sang while the Apsaras danced. Flowers were showered from heaven and all the devtas including Lord Brahma were delighted and came forward to express their happiness.

Devtas offered prayers to please Sri Narayana and the Lord accepted their prayers.

The king of Devtas Indra thought that Lord Narayana wanted to take over his kingdom. To counter this he sent some beautiful apsaras from his court. Apsaras are celestial beauties found in the upper planetary system of the universe. Whose job is to entertain the devatas through their dances.

After the apsaras arrived at this place where Lord Narayana was engaged in penances, they started seducing them with their exciting dances and moves to disturb them after the order of king Indra. But Sri Nara – Narayana was already alert about this.

After that Lord Narayana touched his lotus thigh from which a beautiful woman appeared and after seeing that woman the apsaras were ashamed of their own beauty and activity.

Sri Narayana conveyed that they have not interested in taking over the throne of Indra and they are doing penances only for spiritual realization.

The beauty who appeared from the thigh of Lord Narayana was named “Urvashi”.

After that, she was sent to the court of King Indra along with other apsaras on the order of Sri Nara – Narayana.

Urvashi temple was built here to honour this Lila of Lord Narayana.

The architecture of Urvashi Devi Temple

The architecture of the temple is simple as usual other common local Hindu temples we see in different parts of India. The simple architecture of the temple is based on the Nagara style of architecture found in north India. This temple is so simple in architecture, the same as the other temples we see in northern India.

A small shikara stands over the sanctum, a big brass bell marks the entrance of the temple.

There are two big decorated pillars at the entrance of the temple. Inside the Urvashi temple, there is a huge hall where devotees can come and have darshan and perform pujas.

Urvashi Devi temple timings

Urvashi temple remains open throughout the day. Devotees can visit the temple for darshan at any time from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Best time to visit Urvashi temple

The best time to visit the Urvashi temple is from May to June and September to October. We recommend you avoid visiting in monsoons.

How to reach Urvashi temple

Once you reached Badrinath town, visit Badrinath temple first and then you can visit the Urvashi temple. The cheapeast and easiest way to reach Urvashi temple is via the road network. Badrinath Dham is well-connected to the national and state highways, so you will not face any problems in finding vehicles to the Dham.

By Road

Badrinath Dham is well-connected to all the major cities of Uttarakhand via bus and cab services. You can get a bus directly from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, which is approx 289 Km from Badrinath. Within a few years, you can reach Karnaprayag via train. But for the time being, the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh.

By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant International Airport. From Dehradun, you can take a helicopter to Gauchar and then the rest of the journey is possible only via road network.

CategoriesTemples Travel and Tourism By Garhwali Traveller

Kartik Swami Temple Travel Guide

Kartik Swami Temple History

The old legends said that once Lord Shiva told their sons, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartik, that one of them would get married first, whoever came first after taking the whole round of the earth (the Universe). Lord Kartik started his journey but Ganesh showed his intelligence and they rounded off around his mother Parvati and Father Shiva by saying that father and mother are the whole universes and I have completed the round.

Shiva was impressed by the intelligence of his son Ganesh and gave the privilege to be worshipped first. After completing the whole round of the Universe when Lord Kartik returns they get angry, lord Shiva tells all the story and says that talk to your mother because she has given advice to Ganesh that father and mother are the Universe for all.

Parvati gave him the knowledge before and not to you. After that, Lord Kartik gave the flesh(skin) to the mother Parvati and the bones to his father Shiva. In the Kartik Swami temple, the bones of Lord Kartikeya(Kartik) are shown in an idol. So this was the complete story of Kartik Swami. Let’s know more about the holy Kartikswami temple.

About Lord Kartikey

Kartik Swami, is also known as the lord of War and Victory. They are also known as Morgan(Murugan) Swami(In Tamil Nadu) and in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, they are known as Subramanya and Kartikeya in the Bengal region.

Lord Kartik is also known as Lord Murugan, Skanda, Kumara, Subramanya, Kartikeyan, Karthik, Kartik in various regions of India and the world. Kartikeya is particularly popular and predominantly worshipped in South India and also in other countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Bangkok. Malaysia as Morgan God.

Kartik Swami Temple in Rudraprayag

The Kartik Swami Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district, at 3050 meters from sea level, and is located on a marble-type rock that is naturally built. From the temple, you can see a 360-degree view of the Himalayan Range(Himalayas). This place offers both views of snow peaks and the lower Himalayas.

Kartik Swami Temple Location and How to Reach

Kartikswami temple is dedicated to the elder son of Lord Shiva, who was Lord Kartik. Kartik Swami is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. The trek to Kartikswami starts from Kanakchauri Village and offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas(snow peaks and lower Himalayas).

Start your journey from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag, then to Kartikswami.

Read the complete guide on how to reach Kartik Swami Temple.

Places to See in Kartik Swami

There are not many more places to see in Kartik Swami, but there is 1 tourist spot in Kartik Swami where travelers and visitors can spend their time and enjoy themselves. Here you will find the list of places of all Kartik Swami sightseeing options which you must visit. Explore the hidden Gems of Kartik Swami through this well-researched list, and learn about the most happening places. there are many picnic places and Ashrams where you can enjoy your time.

Kanakchauri

Kanakchauri is a small village located on the Karanprayag – Pokhari road, which is approximately 41.8 Km away. The distance will be covered approximately within 1 hour and 30 to 35 minutes. Kanakchauri is the starting point for the trek to Kartik Swami Temple. If you are planning to visit Kartik Swami, then there are some of the best hotels in Kanakchauri where you can stay at budget prices.

Kartik Swami Overview

  • Best time to visit Kartik Swami – January, February, March, April, May June, October, November and December
  • Journey Starts from – Kanakchauri Village
  • Trek Distance – 3 Km
  • Trek Grade –  Easy for Pahadi and Medium for Others
  • Trek Duration – Same day
  • Altitude Range – 3050 meters
  • Location – Rudraprayag(Garhwal)
  • Recommended Stay – 1 day at least
  • Railway Station Nearest – Rishikesh(175 Km)
  • Nearest Airport – Gauchar(40 Km), Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun(222 Km)
  • Famous for – Kartikswami Temple, Trekking, Nature Beauty, Bird Watching, Sunset, Sunrise, Himalayan Views.
CategoriesLocal Destination Temples By Garhwali Traveller

Karna Temple Karanprayag – Uttarakhand

Karanprayag is famous for the ancient and historic place of Mahabharata, the karm Bhoomi of Karna. Karna temple is located on the holy junction of river alaknanda and Pinder. The temple is situated in the Karanprayag city of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is just 100 meters from the State Bank of India, Karanprayag branch (location – Krishna Palace). Karna temple is one of the best places to visit in Karanprayag.

Karna Temple in Karanprayag

The holy shrine is dedicated to a mythical character of Mahabharata, which was Karna. He is widely regarded as the most righteous and charitable of the Pandavas siblings. To please the Sun god, Karna meditated here at this holy place, from that time the place was named Karanprayag. Karanprayag is one of the five revered river confluences(Panch Prayag) in Uttarakhand. In Karnaprayag there is the confluence of the River Alaknanda and Pinder, which is known as Karnaprayag Sangam. Where you can consider visiting.

Mytholody Behind Karna Temple

According to some popular beliefs, it is at this place Karna meditated to please the Sun God (father of Karna) and was granted the impregnable armour by the deity himself. Another legend says that Karanprayag is the place where lord Krishna buried Karna after his tragic death in Mahabharata. When Arjuna fatally wounded Karna. Lord Krishna realized that the noble Karna is not dead as he was being protected by the Dharma Devi due to the innumerable charitable deeds he performed all in his life.

It was almost impossible to defeat and kill Karna when the goddess was protecting him. Lord Krishna disguised himself as a Brahmin and asked Karna about his good merits. The wounded Karna on his deathbed obliged and gave all his merits to the poor Brahmin. With no good merits with him any more, the goddess of righteousness just disappeared.

Lord Krishna nodded Arjuna to take the kill shot and before Karna eyes were closed forever. The Lord rewarded Karna with the view of his Vishwaroopam. In his dying breath, Karna asked Lord Krishna to bury him at a virgin land, which he obliged and cremated Karna at the holy land of Karanprayag.