Cave temple – Tapkeshwar, Dehradun
Cave temple – Tapkeshwar, Dehradun
Location:- Located in the touristy town of Dehradun (about 5 km from the city center) is a sacred pilgrimage place for Hindu devotees. Situated inside a cave, this temple is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the whole of Uttarakhand.
Main Deity:- The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Shiva who is also known here are Tapekshwar Mahadev. There are two Shivlings here. Both Shivalings are self manifested.
Nearby, there are also temples for Santoshi maa and Shree Hanuman.
Architecture:- The entire area is covered by a forest and visitors have to walk the final 1 kilometer to reach the temple. The main Shivling is situated inside a cave.
This is a natural cave and the ceiling of the cave has a natural spring. The water droplets from the ceiling fall on the Shivling almost continuously creating an “Abhishekam” like atmosphere. The cave temple sits on the banks of a seasonal river called Taus. There are a number of sulphur springs nearby.
One of the Shivlings is made of 5151 beads of rudrakash.
The cave is very low and could be clausterophobic to some. One has to almost crawl for the Darshan.
Specialties:- It is believed that Dronacharya (Guru to Pandavas and Kauravas) once resided in this cave. Hence, the cave is also called Drona Cave. Drona’s son Ashwatthama was born in this cave. After his birth, his mother could not feed him any milk. She prayed to Lord Shiva and the Lord granted her wish by dripping milk from the roof of the cave.
Festivals/Prayers:– There is a special fair organized during Shivratri. People from all over the country visit the temple in large numbers.
Address: Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
Phone:-+91-135-2557837 +91-97191-41214
Timings:-6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
How to Reach:-
By Road – This temple is very near to city center and about a 1 hour drive on the Haridwar-Dehradun Road. It is also accessed by the Dehradun- Missourie highway. One can also take share auto from Connaught place.
By Air – Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport
By Train – Nearest train station is Dehradun. Other major rail heads are Jwalapur and Haridwar
Nearby Places to Visit:-
Asan Barrage
Botanical Survey of India
Clock Tower
Malsi Deer Park
Paonta Sahib
Image Courtesy:- Tripadvisor
