Kalpeshwar

Kalpeshwar is a Hindu temple in the Kalpganga Valley in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India, standing at an elevation of 2,134 meters amid dense forests and mountain peaks. The structure was built inside a natural cave, whose narrow entrance leads to a small interior space with a lingam emerging from the rock.

The site belongs to the Panch Kedar group, constructed by the Pandavas according to Hindu tradition after the war recounted in the Mahabharata. Pilgrims have reached the shrine for centuries using steep paths laid out by villagers and herders through the remote valleys.

Devotees worship the matted locks of Lord Shiva at this temple, where he is known as Jateshwar, referring to his hair manifestation. Pilgrims walk around the sacred stone inside the cave and light oil lamps while priests from nearby villages conduct the rituals.

The temple remains open throughout the year and requires a two-kilometer trek from Lari village along a steep, uneven path. Morning ceremonies begin at 6 AM, and visitors should wear sturdy footwear and carry enough water for the walk.

Inside the cave, pilgrims encounter the self-manifested lingam and the Kalever Kund, a water source believed to hold healing properties. Many visitors taste the clear water, which seeps from the rock throughout the year.