Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is a holy temple of Lord Shiv situated on the top of a high hill to the east of Champawat city.Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is locally known as Tirtha Kandev and Lord Kurmapada.
Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple of Lord Shiv is situated at a distance of about 6 kilometers from the main market of Champawat at an altitude of about 6100 meters above sea level. This temple is believed to be situated at a place which is also described in the Mahabharata. There are many such places in Uttarakhand which are said to be mentioned in the Puranas. There are many such temples and hills here with which the stories of Pandavas' exile and going to heaven are related.
Lord Shiv is also known by the name Adidev in Hindu religion and many temples dedicated to him are located in Uttarakhand, out of which some of the main temples of religious and mythological importance are located in Champawat.
Significance - Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple
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| Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple |
Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is important not only for Champawat but for the entire Kumaon region. According to religious belief, it was here that Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Kurma i.e. tortoise. Kurmaavatar is considered to be the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu and according to mythological stories, this incarnation had a half tortoise and half human body.
The word Kumaon comes from the name Kurm. Historians believe that earlier Kumaon was called Kurm Kashtar, but gradually due to the changing form of time and language, it is now called Kumaon. In this way, Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is considered to be a place related to Lord Shiv and Lord Vishnu.
This is a beautiful, peaceful and nature-filled place for nature lovers. Beautiful views of snow covered Himalayas can be seen from Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple. It is believed that the footprints of Lord Vishnu in his Kurma avatar are still present here. There is also a description of a mountain named "Kurm" in Manaskhand of Skandpuran.
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Stories - Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple
There are two main stories related to Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple. It is believed that after the war of Mahabharata, Arjuna sat at this place and did penance to Lord Shiv and Lord Shiv also gave him darshan.
Another popular story is related to the churning of the ocean described in Hindu Puranas. According to the story, when the gods and demons came for the churning of the ocean, they wrapped Sheshnag around the Mandar mountain like a rope and churned it, but while churning, everyone felt that there should be a solid base under the mountain so that the ocean could be churned. And at that time Lord Vishnu had taken the form of Kurma and this churning was done by churning the Mandar mountain in the ocean on the solid base of Kurma i.e. the turtle's back. The footprints of the same Kurma avatar are believed to be in the Kranteshwar temple here.
Prayer Timings -Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple
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Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple remains open for devotees to visit from 6 am to 8 pm. Devotees seek blessings of Lord Kandev by offering milk, curd and desi ghee.
Best time to visit
The best season to visit Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is between the months of October to May. Traveling during these months is good and enjoyable. Sometimes there is snowfall on the hills in winter, due to which the temperature there becomes quite low.
Festivals - Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple
A large number of devotees visit Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shivratri falling in the month of Sawan.
Way to Temple - Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple
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| Kranteshwar Mahadev |
Reaching Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is a pleasant experience. To reach the temple, one has to trek for about 3 kilometers and this track passes through many small villages. The beautiful form of nature can be seen on this route. Trees like Buransh, Kafool can be seen on the way to the temple.
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Nearby - Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple
The temple complex houses a museum that displays traditional artefacts of the region such as wooden sculptures, armour, Torah, paintings, masks and a variety of musical instruments. The temple complex includes a large courtyard surrounded by stone steps as well as a deep pond or kund.
How to reach
By flight
If you want to travel by flight to Champawat, then the nearest airport here is Pantnagar Airport. The further distance of about 160 kilometers from Pantnagar to Champawat can be covered by private taxi, rented car or state transport bus.
By Train
If you want to travel by train to Champawat, then the nearest station is Tanakpur station. The distance from Tanakpur to Champawat can be covered by road.
By Road
Champawat is well connected by motorable roads to major cities of Uttarakhand state and northern India. In Delhi, buses are available from ISBT, Anand Vihar to Tanakpur and Champawat.
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