The occasion of Mahashivaratri was observed with religious fervor across the State but the occasion was of special significance for childless couples who offered their prayers to lord Shiva at the Kalpeshwar Mahadev temple in this part of Chamoli district. It is believed that childless couple who pray to the supreme Shiva at this shrine on the occasion of Mahashivratri are blessed with progeny soon after.

The Kalpeshwar Mahadev shrine is located in the Urgam valley of Chamoli district. On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, the presiding deity is bathed with water and other offerings apart from which special ritual worship is also conducted. The Kalpeshwar Mahadev temple here is one of the Panch Kedar shrines located in different parts of the state.

This shrine is of special importance to married couples wanting a child as childless couples worshipping the lord in this temple on the night of Mahashivaratri are believed to have their heart’s wish granted. The local residents state that such childless couples also get to see some sort of indication as assurance during ritual worship.

It is worth mentioning here that lord Shiva is worshipped in the Kalpeshwar Mahadev shrine in the form of his matted locks.

This temple is the only one of the Panch Kedar shrines which remains open for devotees throughout the year while the other shrines remain closed during the winter when their locations are covered by snow.

The occasion of Mahashivaratri attracted devotees from different parts of the region and beyond who were seen queuing for their turn to make offerings to the god at the temple since early in the morning.