Rudraprayag:One hundred and eight Balampuri Shankha Puja and Havan was performed at the Lord Kartik Swamy temple on Kraunch mountain under the joint aegis of Tourism Development Council Uttarakhand, District Administration and Temple Committee. In the programme, the chief priests from Tamil Nadu, Shivacharyas of six famous temples of Tamil Nadu, including Mayilam Athenam, Koonampatti Athenam, Kaumara Mutt Athenam and Sringeri Mutthu, offered divine prayers and prayed for the progress of the country.
History of Lord Karthik Swamy Temple:According to Hindu mythology, it is said that Lord Shiva tested his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, the condition was that the brothers would have to circle the world three times and only the winner would be worshipped among all the Gods and Goddesses. Following his Father's orders Lord Kartikeya swiftly mounted his peacock, Paravani, and soared into the skies to complete the three rounds. Lord Ganesha, who didn't have a flying mount circled Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati three times, and declared that his parents were the world to him.
Upon returning when Lord Kartikeya learned what had transpired in his absence, Hence, Kartikeya was angry with his mother Parvati and did penance here. A temple is said to have been built on the place where he did penance. Later, he went to South India. In South India, Kartikeya is worshiped as Murugan.