Kalpeshwar is one of the historic Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. It is the last and 5th Panch Kedar temple where lord Shiva is worshipped. It is located in the Urgam Valley of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Furthermore, it is tKalpeshwar Mahadev temple is the only temple among all the Panch Kedar that remains open throughout the year and the easiest Panch Kedar temple to reach. So you can visit Kalpeshwar temple in any month of the year. The Matted hairs or Jata or Lord Shiva are worshipped inside this temple.

The Urgam Valley is so beautiful and it feels like you are in heaven. For photographers and content creators, this valley is a jackpot. Below are some drone shots of Urgam Valley and Kelpeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of matted hair at Kalpeshwar temple, and the trail to this sacred shrine goes through thick and lush green forests. There is one old tree near the temple known as the Kalpvriksha tree, and according to Hindu mythology, it is said that this tree is wish-granting.

Kalpeshwar temple is one of the best destinations to visit in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. You can visit here with your friends’ family as well as solo.

Here is the complete Kalpeshwar Temple Travel guide, mythological importance and travel tips.

Why Visit Kalpeshwar?

If you love trekking and believe in Lord shiva and want to meditate in one of the ancient shiva temples, then you must visit Kalpeshwar. For trekking enthusiasts and devotees, Kalpeswar trek offers stunning views of nature and the untouched valley. You are going to love the Kalpeshwar trek.

You can see the old Kalpvriksha tree here and wish for something you want to achieve in your life.

How to reach Kalpeshwar Temple, Chamoli

The Kalpeshwar trek starts from the Urgam village, which is near Joshimath. Where the buoyant Kalpganga river flows in eternity. This beautiful area has many sprawling apple orchards and potato farms. You can also purchase Pahadi potatoes and Apples from the villagers at a very cheap rate.

Earlier the route to Kalpeshwar was from Helang to Kalpeshwar via Urgam Valley, having a trek distance of 10 Km. But not you can reach here by road because of the road infrastructure in Uttarakhand now it is now well-connected by road.

Now the Kalpeshwar trek is just 1 Km because jeepable roads are available from Helang to Urgam. So we can say it is an easy-grade trek in Uttarakhand. You must visit Kalpeshwar once for sure, You can also hire a taxi from Garhwali Traveller for your journey to any destination in Uttarakhand.

You can also visit the Budha Kedar temple, Dhyan Badri and the Sapt Badri temple or the Seven Badri’s that are in the proximity of Kalpeshwar.

Activities to do in Kalpeshwar

Pilgrimage

Kalpeshwar temple is one of the Panch Kedar of Uttarakhand. Kalpeshwar is visited by thousands of devotees and pilgrims, mostly Shaivites or devotees of Lord Shiva.

Camping

You can camp and have a night campfire at night, just near the temple. There is a big ground and you can go camping there. Also, you can camp in the deep forest along with the guide. There are plenty of camping agencies you can contact with them and check their rates. For camping in Kalpeshwar contact us directly.

Photography

Kalpeshwar offers mesmerizing views of some of the great Himalayan peaks and other mountains. There are beautiful locations nearby Kalpeshwar temple, where you can take creative and awesome photos. Also, Urgam Valley and Helang are the best destinations for photography lovers.

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.