Kalpeswar temple is one of the renowned Shiva temples placed in the serene surroundings of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. The temple looms at a splendid altitude of 2,134 meters and is the last temple visited by pilgrims during the Panch Kedar Yatra. Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple that remains open throughtout the year. At Kalpeshwar temple matted tress (jata) of Lord Shiva is worshipped. The trek trail to the Kalpeshwar temple leads devotees to charming green terrace fields and dense forests.
Kapleshwar is a beautiful stone temple. The whole structure of the temple is fabricated of granite stone and is built in Nagara architectural style. The main sanctum sanctorum lies under a huge tower formation. A stone idol of Lord Shiva is enshrined in the Kalpeshwar temple. One of the main features of the shrine is the nearby cave upon which the hair locks are carved naturally. The sacred temple houses the popular Kalpavriksha. It is believed that the tree fulfils the wishes of the people.
Kalpeshwar temple is believed to be established by the legendary heroes of Mahabharata, Pandavas. Legends say that Pandavas came to Himalayas in search of Lord Shiva to seek his mercy for killing Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva unwilling to give darshan disguised himself as humped buffalo and hid at Kashi. When discovered by Pandavas, Lord Shiva dived in the ground. Bhima, the second Pandava brother could only get hold of the hump.
The other body parts of Lord Shiva in bull form were found in different places. Hump of the bull in Kedarnath, his arm appeared in Tungnath, navel was found in Madhyamaheswar, his head was traced at Rudranath and his hair came up at Kalpeshwar. These places are together known as Panch Kedar temples.
Kalpeshwar temple is accessible throughout the year. All other Panch Kedar temple remains closed during winters.
Various poojas are very spiritually performed in Kalpeshwar temple. The temple priests of Kalpeshwar temple are also the Dasnamis and Gossains, disciples of Adi Shankara. These temple priests are appointed by Adi Shankara and poojas are also designed by Adi Shankara.
The ideal time to visit Kalpeshwar is during the month of May, June, September and October. The weather remains pleasant and cool during these months.