Kartik Swami Temple is a famous ancient temple located in Rudraprayag. This temple is situated in Kanak Chauri village near Rudraprayag. This temple is at an altitude of 3050 meters above sea level. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva's eldest son Kartikeya. According to legend, Lord Shiva once said to both of his sons Lord Kartik and Lord Ganesha, which first the visiting of the universe, will come before them, one of them will have the privilege of worshipping first. Lord Kartikeya sat on his vehicle peacock and went to roam the universe. While Ganesh parents started roaming around. Seeing this, Shiva and Parvati asked, why they are roaming around them, Ganesh replied that the whole universe is involved in the parents only. Upon hearing this, Shiva and Parvati were happy and Lord Ganesh got the privilege of worshipping first. While returning the world tour, Devarshi Narad told Kartikeya the whole matter, Kartikeya became angry and reached Kailash, he handed over his meat to Parvati and body bone father Shiva and reached the Krodh Mountains for meditation in Nirvana form. Since then, Lord Kartikeya is worshipped at this place and it is believed that these bones are still present in the temple.
.By Air
The nearest airport of Rudraprayag is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, which is about 156 km from Rudraprayag.
By Rail
The nearest railway station of Rudraprayag is Rishikesh, which is about 139 km from Rudraprayag.
By Road
Kartik Swami Temple can be reached through a 3 km trek from Kanak Chauri village, about 38 km from Rudraprayag.
The journey of Kartik Swami Temple can be done throughout the year, but the best time to visit here is between the months of October to May. Travelling here in these months is the best and enjoyable. During the winter season, the weather of here is cold. Due to snowfall on the surrounding hills in the winter season, the temperature of here goes down very much. Due to heavy rains in the rainy season, it is a bit difficult to travel of here because of heavy rains threatening landslides.