Swami Kartikeya Temple (Kaylong Temple) is located near Kugti village in Bharmour area of Himachal Pradesh specifically near Uparli Kugti. The temple is located at a distance of 4km from Kugti at an altitude of 3100m above sea level. A mild 4km trek from Kugtii village takes you to the stunning beauty of Swami Kartikeya Temple. As swami Kartikeya is known as Keylong (also spelled as Kelang) in Bharmour hence this temple is more famous by the name of Keylong temple in Bharmour. Although there are many temples of Swami Kartikeya in Bharmour but this temple is considered as most significant among all the temples of Swami Kartikeya in Bharmour. Worshippers of Lord Kartikeya visit this temple every year to get his  blessings. 

Swami Kartikeya Temple is dedicated to the elder son of Lord Shiva, Kartikeya, who offered his bones as testimony of his devotion to his father. Lord Kartikeya Swami is also known as Kartik Murugan Swami in the southern part of India.

Swami Kartikeya Temple comes under Kugti wildlife sanctuary area hence visiting this temple gives you imense satidafaction not only because of the temple but also because of the amazing ambience of green mountains, waterfalls and wild animals. You can also see rituals and customs of Gaddis who pass through Kugti to Lahaul during summer. Gaddis before crossing Kugti Pass visit Smami Kartikeya Temple to take his blessings. It is believed that if Swami Kartikeya doesn’t permit them to cross then they will have to stay around Kugti area and spend the whole summer time there.

There is also temple of Marali Mata near Lord Kartikeya Temple. Marali Mata is sister of Swami Kartikeya and daughter of Lord Shiva.  You can see beuatiful snow covered mountains from Marali mata temple. There is another seat of Marali Mata on the top of the mountain peak visible from this marali mata temple.  

The Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva (the destroyer) told his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya that one of them, who will be the first to take seven rounds of the universe will have the privilege of being worshiped first.

Ganesha took seven rounds around Shiva and Parvati, while Kartikeya faithfully circled the universe. Impressed by Ganesha, Shiva gave him the honour of being worshipped before anyone. Angered by this, Kartikeya sacrificed his body and gave his bones to Lord Shiva as reverence.

Getting There

The best way to reach Lord Kartik Swami temple is to come to Bharmour and spend a night there. Next day in the morning hire a taxi to go to Lahal, which is 2km before Kugti. Lahal (different from Lahal which is before Bharmour) is at a distance of 22km from Bharmour. On the way you see Hadsar which is starting point of Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary. Near Hadsar you can see Hadsar waterfall. As your drive towards Kugti you get to see beautiful Kaksen & Bhagsen waterfalls near Dharol. Once you reach Lahal, you have to start trekking towards Kugti Village. From Kugti you trek to Swami Kartikeya temple.