Kalp Kedar Temple, Dharali, Uttarakhand

Kalp Kedar Temple, Dharali, Uttarakhand

Kalp Kedar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Dharali near Gangotri in Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The temple is situated on the banks of Bhagirathi River. The Temple is situated at about 20 Kms downstream from Gangotri. 

Legends

It is believed that this temple was constructed by Pandavas.

The Temple

The façade has an intriguing face of Kalabhairava, Shiva’s fierce attendant. Earlier the temple overlooked the Ganga but had sunk later. It's said that the shrines of Parvati and Ganesha, which were adjacent to the temple, were destroyed in a glacial shift. Another glacial shift between 1935-38 submerged the Kalp Kedar temple.

The temple was partially excavated in 1980's but 6-9 ft still remains underwater. Only the dome is visible rest body of temple is submerged in earth. The door of temple can be seen from top, which is filled with water, but the Shivalinga inside is not visible. It is believed that in every Shravan month the river Ganga comes up to Lord Shiva and washes the Panch-Mukhi lingam.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Harsil, 20 Kms from Gangotri, 79 Kms from Uttarkashi, 244 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 245 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 246 Kms from Rishikesh, 264 Kms from Haridwar, 265 Kms from Haridwar Railway Station and 482 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Gangotri is situated at the end of NH 108. Pilgrims need to go to Uttarkashi by GMOU bus or private taxi. From Uttarkashi, four wheelers are available on shared basis to Gangotri. Gangotri is connected with motorable roads, buses and taxis from important destinations like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal. The Temple is situated at about 20 Kms downstream from Gangotri. 

Location