Quick Facts of Tapkeshwar Temple
Before acquainting yourself about the history of tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun, enlighten yourself about its important facts.
Name of Temple : Tapkeshwar Temple, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple Address / Location: Garhi Cantt., Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
Primary Deity : The Great Lord Mahadev also known as Shiva Shankara
Type : Temple in Natural Cave
Exclusivity : Continuous trickle of water from ceiling over the Shiva Linga
Location : 6.5 km from Dehradun City
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| Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dehradun |
Other Important Information
- Tapkeshwar Temple Dehradun Timings : All days of the week - 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Visit Duration : 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Entry Fees : None
- Popularity Factor : Natural Shiv Linga located inside The Cave / Gufa
- No. of Shivlinga : 2 (Two). Both are Natural i.e., NOT man-made
- Other Mandirs and Cave in Vicinity of the Temple : Mata Vaishno Devi Gufa Mandir, Shree Hanumanji Idol
- Tapkeshwar Mandir Premises : Natural cave, Mata Vaishnodevi Gufa, Idols of various deities, Shree Hanuman Ji Sculpture
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| Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dehradun |
History of Tapkeshwar Temple Dehradun
The Tapkeshwar Temple History dates back to the era of Mahabharata; a fact which was unknown to me initially. The view, serenity and spiritual experience of the Mandir was such that I paid the holy destination a second visit as well.
The Temple is situated on the bank of seasonal Asan river / Tons River, which proliferates its overall beauty and tranquility. The Shiva Linga of this temple is one of the oldest ones and in the cave, which was once lodged by Dronacharya – the teacher of Kauravs and Pandavas in the Mahabharata (holy epic of Hinduism and written by Ved Vyas). Hence, this cave located in this temple is named “Drona Cave”.
The water dribbles from the cave's ceiling (rock) on the Shiva Linga, hence the temple is named as Tapkeshwar.
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| History of Tapkeshwar Temple Dehradun |
Tapkeshwar Temple History – Legend of Dronacharya and Ashwathama
It is believed that the present Tapkeshwar cave was inhabited by Guru Dronacharya -one of the great archers of the historic era of Mahabharata. Here, his wife Kalyani gave birth to their son Ashwathama, but was unable to feed him with her milk. In addition, Dronacharya had a shoestring budget and could not afford a cow or cow milk.
Ashwathama was born clever and so he understood the situation. He started praying to the great Lord Shiva for milk. Satisfied with his devotion and praying, the great lord fed him with milk, dripping above the Shiv Linga from the mountain rocks (ceiling). Hence, the hunger and wish of the immortal Ashwathama was fulfilled.
In the present Kal Yug, water trickles on the Lingam of the Lord Shiva, instead of milk. The scene is simply captivating.
The word Tapak means “to drip”; hence the meaning of Tapkeshwar is “that drips”.
Visitor Information | How To Reach Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
One of the oldest Lord Shiva Mandir - Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in the Garhi Cantt region of Dehradun.
- This spiritual destination is about 30-31 km from the Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, and 7.5 km from Dehradun Railway Station.
- You can reach the temple from Dehradun ISBT also, which is at the distance of about 10Km.
- You can hire Taxi, Three Wheeler or take a Local Bus to make it to the tapkeshwar temple dehradun.
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| VaishoDevi Gufa at Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dehradun |
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Nostalgic Place in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
The temple is situated by the forest side and and is surrounded by hills. It has a cave in which the natural Shiv Linga is placed. Surrounded by beautiful hills, the cave or gufa is called Drona Cave, as Guru Dronacharya resided in it. On my first visit, I felt inner calmness and tranquility, which is quintessential in everyone's life. The spectacular view of water naturally dribbling above the Shiv Linga was simply captivating. I couldn't imagine the time, when the milk used to trickle from the rocks. All the devotees, their honest devotion to God, magical view, the chanting of mantras... Oh! That time must have been spellbinding!
Tapkeshwar Festival/Fair : On Shivratri, you can witness a huge festival in and around the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dehradun. Devotees, in large numbers, participate in this festival and pay their salutation to the deity every year. If you ever get a chance to be a part of this festival, then consider yourself blessed. During this time, you can also spot many picnickers from the city and nearby districts.
Other Information Related to the Mahadev Mandir
| Nearby Places to See | Santala Devi Temple, Ram Rai Gurudwara, Robbers Cave / Guchhupani |
| Nearby Places to Shop | Paltan Bazaar, Tibetan Market, Himalayan Weavers |
| Nearby Hotels to Stay | Aketa Hotel, Hotel Natraj, Hotel Great Value, etc. |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Dehradun Train Station |
| Second Nearest Railway Station | Haridwar Junction Train Station |
MY
REVIEW OF TAPKESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE DEHRADUN
I believe that to worship our creator, we should admire and appreciate all the natural things - be it the beauty of the moon, wondrous sunset or the water dribbling above the Shiva Linga inside a cave. By just visiting a holy place like Tapkeshwar Mandir located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand will awake your soul and make you realize that even when you are away from temples, they reside in your heart and the way to worship the great lord is to follow the philosophy of kindness.
You can understand the affect of the natural Drona cave of tapkeshwar temple, Dehradun with the gospel truth that I visited the place twice in a short time. In words, I find it difficult to review the place or the positive effects of its environment. Although, I will say that it made my soul smile through my heart and spur my heart to sprinkle smile in lonely and sad hearts.
Remember one thing, you cannot fulfill your purpose as the human being without a spiritual life; you can just keep on living to fulfill the social aims and responsibilities. To give a true meaning to your existence in the human form, spiritual enlightenment is imperative. You cannot walk away from your creator! You need him in the same manner as the candle needs fire to fulfill its purpose.
Resources of Reference
Google+ : https://plus.google.com/102933084020449420420/about?gl=in&hl=en
Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapkeshwar_Temple
Maps of India : http://www.mapsofindia.com/dehradun/tapkeshwar-temple.html
euttaranchal : www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/tapkeshwar.php
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