Kartik Swami is a revered shrine in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is situated atop a hillock and offer 360 degree view of the Himalayas. It is believed that it is at this place Lord Kartikeya shed his body as a reverence to his parents. A well-known pilgrimage destination, large number of devotees visits the shrine, especially during the festivals. Some of the popular festivals and fairs celebrated at Kartik Swami are mentioned as follows:
Kartik Purnima is a holy festival of Hindus which is celebrated on the Purnima (full moon) day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik month (November–December) according to the Hindu calendar. This festival has a great significance at Kartik Swami as it is the birthday of Lord Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war. A fair is also held at the temple to commemorate the occasion. Every year the temple is visited by large number of devotees as it is considered auspicious to pay reverence to Lord Kartikeya on the eve of Kartik Purnima. According to Brahmanda Purana, this worship bestows devotees with the qualities like ethics, intelligence and patience.
2017 Kartik Purnima Date: 4 November, 2017
Also known as Kalash Yatra, Kartik Swami Fair is an 11-day long religious congregation of devotees and pilgrims who travel from far way places to seek blessings and spiritual grace from the Lord Kartikeya. An 11-day long Kalash Yatra is celebrated in the month of June every year. In this festival, various religious ceremonies and rituals take place such as Mahayagya, Kalash Yatra and Shivmahapuran Katha in the temple premises of Kartik Swami.