Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple
Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva shrines in the Garhwal Himalaya, standing quietly in Kamleshwar Mohalla in the heart of Srinagar (Garhwal) — the old capital of the Garhwal kingdom and today a busy university town on the Alaknanda, roughly 105 km up the mountain road from Rishikesh. The temple is counted among the five Maheshwar peeths of the Himalaya named in the Kedarkhand of the Skanda Purana, a lineage that places it in the highest rank of Shaivite sanctity in these hills. The presiding deity is a swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga, and the sanctum also holds images of Ganesha, Adi Shankaracharya, Saraswati, Ganga, Annapurna and Nandi — a devotional assembly that reflects the temple's long standing as a living centre of Himalayan Shaivism.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas along the Srinagar main bazaar - simple thalis with rajma, kadhi and rice; ask for the pure-veg counters, as Srinagar is a mixed town.
- ✦Garhwali sweet and chai shops near the temple lane - fresh jalebis, samosas and hot chai for pilgrims; confirm the outlet is pure-vegetarian before ordering.
- ✦University-area vegetarian eateries near HNB Garhwal University - budget veg meals and mandua (finger-millet) rotis popular with students.
- ✦Local dhabas serving aloo ke gutke and Garhwali thalis - hearty hill vegetarian fare; choose a clearly vegetarian dhaba and confirm no onion-garlic if you prefer satvik.
About
Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva shrines in the Garhwal Himalaya, standing quietly in Kamleshwar Mohalla in the heart of Srinagar (Garhwal) — the old capital of the Garhwal kingdom and today a busy university town on the Alaknanda, roughly 105 km up the mountain road from Rishikesh.
- The temple is counted among the five Maheshwar peeths of the Himalaya named in the Kedarkhand of the Skanda Purana, a lineage that places it in the highest rank of Shaivite sanctity in these hills.
- The presiding deity is a swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga, and the sanctum also holds images of Ganesha, Adi Shankaracharya, Saraswati, Ganga, Annapurna and Nandi — a devotional assembly that reflects the temple's long standing as a living centre of Himalayan Shaivism.
- The temple carries a dense weave of sacred legend.
- By local tradition drawn from the Kedarkhand, Lord Rama came to this spot on the counsel of his guru Vashishtha to atone through Shiva-worship, offering a thousand lotus flowers each day for a month — and it is from this offering of lotuses (kamal) that the name Kamleshwar, "Lord of the Lotus," is said to derive.
- The shrine is also linked in devotional memory to Adi Shankaracharya, the eighth-century philosopher-saint credited with reviving temple worship across the Himalaya, whose image is honoured within.
- For centuries the temple has been the spiritual anchor of Srinagar's community, its bells and lamps a fixed rhythm of the market town around it.
- The temple's most extraordinary occasion is Baikunth Chaturdashi, held on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of Kartik (around November).
- Through the night, devotees — most poignantly childless couples — keep an unbroken vigil, standing with a lit ghee lamp cupped in their hands and meditating on Shiva in the faith that the blessing of a child will follow.
- A large fair, the Baikunth Chaturdashi Mela, fills the town, and Mahashivratri (February/March) is likewise marked with great fervour and an all-night flow of worshippers.
- For vegetarian travellers, Srinagar is a mixed hill town rather than a wholly vegetarian pilgrimage centre, so it pays to choose eateries deliberately: the temple lane and the university-town bazaar have pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas, sweet shops and chai stalls serving simple Garhwali satvik fare — rajma, kadhi, aloo ke gutke, mandua (finger-millet) rotis and hot jalebis.
- Remove your shoes before entering, dress modestly, and keep quiet during aarti; the shrine is open to all, and its unhurried Himalayan atmosphere is a world away from the crowds of the plains.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Kamleshwar Mohalla, near the main market, central Srinagar (Garhwal), Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, 246174
How to Reach: Kamleshwar Mohalla, central Srinagar (Garhwal), about 200 m off the main market road. Srinagar sits on NH-58 (the Rishikesh–Badrinath road), roughly 105 km from Rishikesh (about 3–4 hours by shared jeep or bus). The nearest railhead is Rishikesh (~104 km) and the nearest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant (~150 km). From Srinagar's bus stand or main bazaar the temple is a short walk or a brief auto-rickshaw ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple in Srinagar Garhwal?
The temple is generally reported open from around 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with morning and evening aarti. Timings can shift with the season, especially in winter, so it is best to confirm locally. Mondays and Shiva festivals draw the largest crowds.
Is there an entry fee for Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple?
No, entry is free. As an active community Shiva temple, it is open to everyone regardless of faith, with no admission ticket. Please treat it as a living place of worship rather than a monument.
Why is Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple famous?
It is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Garhwal and is counted among the five Maheshwar peeths of the Himalaya in the Kedarkhand of the Skanda Purana. It is linked in legend to Lord Rama, who is said to have offered a thousand lotuses here daily (giving the temple its name, Kamleshwar, 'Lord of the Lotus'), and is associated in devotional memory with Adi Shankaracharya. It is best known for the all-night Baikunth Chaturdashi lamp vigil.
What happens during Baikunth Chaturdashi at the temple?
On Baikunth Chaturdashi (the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, around November), devotees keep a night-long vigil at the temple, standing with a lit ghee lamp cupped in their hands while meditating on Lord Shiva. Childless couples in particular observe this vigil, praying for the blessing of a child. A large fair, the Baikunth Chaturdashi Mela, fills Srinagar around the festival.
How do I reach Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple?
The temple is in Kamleshwar Mohalla in central Srinagar (Garhwal), about 200 m off the main market road. Srinagar lies on NH-58, the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway, roughly 105 km from Rishikesh (about 3–4 hours by bus or shared jeep). The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (~104 km) and the nearest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant (~150 km). From the Srinagar bazaar it is a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the temple?
Srinagar is a mixed hill town, so choose eateries deliberately. The main bazaar and the temple lane have pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas, sweet shops and chai stalls serving simple Garhwali satvik fare such as rajma, kadhi, aloo ke gutke and mandua (finger-millet) rotis, and there are budget vegetarian eateries near HNB Garhwal University. Confirm an outlet is pure-vegetarian before ordering.