Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Tapkeshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Dehradun in Uttarakhand State, India. The Temple is also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. The Temple is situated by the forest side, the main Shivalinga at the temple is inside a natural cave. Water drops from the ceiling of the cave trickle down over the Shivalinga in a continuous downpour, making for an interesting spectacle.

Legends

It is believed that this temple dates back to the era of Mahabharata. It is believed that, the guru of Pandavas and Kauravas, Drona, meditated in this cave to gain the knowledge and expertise in military arts such as archery with the blessings of Lord Shiva. It was here that Guru Dronacharya and his wife, Kripi, were blessed with a son, Ashwathama, and milk started dripping from this cave owing to the powers of Lord Shiva for Ashwathama who needed this milk. The cave is thus named Drona Cave after his name.

The Temple

Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is widely popular as a pilgrimage site in Dehradun. The beautiful temple of Lord Shiva established between the two hills attracts hundreds of tourists from inside and around Dehradun all-round the year. The Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple houses two Shivalingas. Both these Shivalingas are not man-made and have come into existence naturally.

The Shiva Linga in Drona cave nearby where the river enters and water droplets drip down on the Shivalinga, is a spectacular sight. The water that drops down vanishes underground and can be seen few yards away in the form of a stream. There are Sulphur water springs inside the Temple premises, where devoted pilgrims take bath before entering the temple.

Festivals

A large festival is held on Shivaratri day around the Tapkeshwar temple. 

Contact

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple,

Garhi Cantt, Dehradun,

Uttarakhand – 248 001

Phone: +91 135 255 7837

Mobile: +91 97191 41214

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Dehradun, 7 Kms from Dehradun Railway Station, 10 Kms from Dehradun Bus Stand, 51 Kms from Rishikesh, 50 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 60 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction, 59 Kms from Haridwar and 262 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The temple is situated on the Garhi Cantt Road.

Rishikesh is the major starting point for road journey to this place. Regular buses operate from Rishikesh Bus Station to Yogadhyan via Karnaprayag. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, which has a small railway terminal. Haridwar Railway junction, 24 Kms farther from Rishikesh, has train connections to most of the major cities in India. Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Location