Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dehradun

I have been to Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand twice till date, once in November 2013 and secondly in October 2014 (with family). I will just say this – the placidity, serene charm and spiritual experience of this holy place will simply bless your soul. I will recommend all my readers to visit this Shiv Temple at least once and take the blessings of The Great Lord Mahadev. In this blog post, I have discussed my experience of visiting the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple and cited the important information related to the timing, history, distance, reviews, guide of the mandir.

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 

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

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.

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.

1. This spiritual destination is about 30-31 km from the Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, and 7.5 km from Dehradun Railway Station.
2. You can reach the temple from Dehradun ISBT also, which is at the distance of about 10Km.
3. You can hire Taxi, Three Wheeler or take a Local Bus to make it to the tapkeshwar temple dehradun.

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
tapkeshwar.in/home.htm

Paror, Himachal Pradesh, India - An RSSB Center

A while ago, I got acquainted with a place named Paror Himachal Pradesh, India. At that time the discussion was on places where various Radha Soami Satsang Garh (RSSB) Centers were located.
 

I decided to surf the web for Paror and know about it, so that in future we can plan a vacation there along with attending the morning Satsang. I surfed a lot for Paror Himachal Pradesh (HP), India but fall short of detailed description, which is readily available for the popular attractions. This gave me some surety about the area being non-explored but at that same time it gave strong thoughts about the accommodation at Paror.

I kept on searching and came to know that Paraur or Paror is in vicinity to Palampur – a popular and explored holiday destination. So if anyone wants to visit Paror, he or she can plan a stay or vacation at Palampur and take a cab or other commuting mean to reach Paror.

Key Points of Paror, Himachal Pradesh

• Coordinates: 32°5'14"N - 76°27'6"E
• Neighboring states: Palampur, Kangra
• Weather: Pleasant

Distance of popular holidaying places from Paror/Paraur

• Paror to Palampur – 11.3 Km
• Paror to Kangra – 22.6 Km
• Paror to Dharamshala (Lower) – 25.2 Km
• Paror to McLeod Ganj (also spelt McLeodGanj or Mcleodganj) [Upper Dharamshala] – 29 Km

How to Reach Paror Himachal Pradesh

There are 4 ways to reach Paror in HP. Check out WikiMap Here

1) Hire a cab to the destination.

2) Take a toy train which runs between Pathankot Junction and Baijnath Paprola. It passes through Paror RSSB (Radha Soami Satsang Beas) Satsang Ghar. Kangra Valley Rail Passenger (52464), runs on all days and its travel time is 6 hours and 55 minute. List of stations it passes through are (including paror railway station, himachal pradesh):

 

Baijnath Paprola	Kangra Mandir	Nandpur Bhatauli	Balle da pir larath
Panch Rukhi	Kangra	Baryal Himachal	Talara
Palampur Himachal Pradesh	Koparlahar	Nagrota Surian	Nurpur Road
Paror Himachal Pradesh	Jwalamukhi Road	Megh Raj Pura	Kandwal Halt
Chamunda Marg	Tripal Halt	Harsar Dehri	Dalhousie Road
Nagrota	Lunsu Halt	Jawan Wala Shehar	Pathankot Junction
Samloti	Guler	Bharmar

3) Paror/Parour can also be reached via AMB, Himachal Pradesh Railway Station. It is around 90 Kms from AMB, which is located in Una district, HP, India.

• The Amb Andaura Railway Station (Station Code-AADR) is just four (4) kilometers from the town's bus stand.
• Himachal Express (14553-14554) and DMU Shuttle Train Service (74992) are the trains available here.

4) Paror Railway Station

Paror Railway Station is connected with train. The location of Paror or Paraur is proximate to Kangra (22.6 km from Paror, Himachal Pradesh) and Pathankot (103-104 km from Paror, Himachal Pradesh). Once you reach Pathankot, you can board a meterage train directly to Paror / Paraur. Also, you can reach this destination by road. The Satsang Ghar is located at a Hill Top.

The Paror Satsang Ghar of Radha Soami Satsang Beas is blessed with Baba Ji’s presence during the month of May every year. There are various sewadars in the satsang ghar, who either reside in Himachal Pradesh and nearby states. The majority of satsang is from HP, Punjab and adjoining districts like Hamirpur, Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Mandi, Pathankot, Sundernagar, Una etc. In the satang ghar, langar is served in disposable items.

Few points of Paror Himachal Pradesh gathered from Internet

• Water shortage
• Distance between the parking and satsang venue is more than usual
• The weather / climate of Paror is similar to that of Palampur and other neighboring states in Himachal Pradesh, India. The atmospheric elements make the conditions pleasant. There are various websites that offer online weather forecast of Paror; some even mention wind direction and wind speed.

 

Radhasoami Satsang Beas (RSSB), Paror Center

Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) aims the inner development of the people, under the counseling of the spiritual teacher, popular as Baba Ji. The Paror Center of RSSB has seen many lectures by Baba Ji which have been attended by many local residents, especially from Punjab region.

Although the exact address of Paror Centre Radhasoami Satsang Beas is not known to me, but it is in the neighborhood of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Other nearby cities to Paror Satsang Center includes Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra and Dharamshala (Lower McLeodGanj). You can also Read About Paror on Wikipedia and other sites. According to a website, the coordinates of Paror in HP are 32°5'14"N 76°27'6"E. Hence, the paror temperature is generally cool and pleasant, enhancing the overall concentration and pleasure of listening to Baba Ji's thought.

If any one wishes to enjoy a beautiful place and attend Radha Soami Ji lecture then paror is the place to be. If you want some directions to this RSSB paror satsang center, then Google Map provides good service for it.

Radha Soami Ji!

Robbers Cave Dehradun Guchhupani

Robbers Cave Dehradun – Top Tourist Place

Among different Dehradun Tourist Places, Robber's Cave and River or locally called Guchhupani (Guchu Pani) is one of the most enjoyable picnic spots. It should not be confused with the Oklahoma (U.S.) based Robbers Cave State Park.

Robbers Cave Dehradun – Top Tourist Place

Robbers Cave Dehradun Location

A River Cave Formation, Robber's Cave, India is located in Dehradun City (Uttarakhand, India); about 8 Km from Dehradun center (City Bus Stand). Robbers Cave is approximately 600 meters long and is one of the popular Dehradun Tourist Places. Maintained by Uttarakhand State Government, Guchhupani is divided into two parts, with central part having a broken fort wall. It has a gorge (a narrow cleft, in which steam runs through its steep & rocky walls), which is formed in agglomeration limestone area on Doon Valley's Dehra plateau. It has the highest fall of relatively 10 meters.

How to Reach Robbers Cave Dehradun: 

• Cab

The best way is to hire a cab, if your schedule includes exploring other Tourist Places In Dehradun, as well. 

• Local Buses

However, you can try local transportation as well. The local buses will take you to Anarwala Village, from where you need to trek about 1 kilometer to reach this most loved destination of Dehradun Tourism. You will definitely relish serenity, while hiking along the aisle, amidst the nature.

Robbers Cave Dehradun History: According to a famous theory, robbers used this place as the shelter to conceal themselves from the British. Hence, this place earned the name Robber's Cave.

Robbers Cave Dehradun Timings: 7.00 AM - 7.00 PM on every weekday, weekend and public holiday.
Note: Pets are not allowed inside this picnic spot.

Robbers Cave Dehradun Location / Address: Guchhupani, Malsi, District of Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248003 India

Snapshot of Guchhupani – Favored Dehradun Tourist Places

• Country: India 
• State: Uttarakhand
• Pincode: 248003
• Popular for: Waterfall Cave
• Fees: INR 20/= per head
• Coordinates: 30°22'38"N 78°3'45"E
• Visiting Hours/Timings: 7.00 AM - 7.00 PM
• Visiting Days: Everyday – be it weekday, weekend and public holiday
• Best Time to Visit: All months are ideal, however best enjoyed during April and October. Avoid extremely cold days.
• Weather: In Summer, temperature is between 24°C to 40°C. In Winters, temperature is between 4°C to 22°C
• Cities Nearby Robbers Cave Dehradun: Mussoorie, Vikasnagar

 

Enjoying Robbers Cave Dehradun – The Ideal Place To Visit In Dehradun

Have you ever wondered about wandering hysterically just to get some peace of mind? If yes, then I suggest you to dump this thought and pack your bag for a visit to Robbers Cave Dehradun. This place is simply awesome with lots of open area and a water steam flowing amid the rocks. Just walk into the steam barefoot and enjoy the tranquility that will be stamped in your soul forever, compelling you to visit the place again and get buried in the snow of placidity of the water stream.

You will get absolute silence at Guchhupani. The air you breathe here is completely devoid of pollutants. The trek in the water flowing through rocks is one thing which is the most blissful and enjoyable experience that will definitely make it worth exploring this attraction among the other Dehradun Tourist Places. Adding on to this relishing experience is tasting the well cooked maggi and snacks, with your feet submerged in the water stream.

Moving on, this particular Tourist Place In Dehradun is the ideal place to witness the astonishment of nature and get the solitude, which is essential in the hustling urban life. You will never be lost in the stream as it is patrolled by the hills on the both sides. It exhibits one of the strangest phenomena of nature; a water stream first goes underground and then reappears a few meter away.

Fast-track of Robber's Cave – Best Dehradun Tourist Place

• 8 Km from Dehradun City Bus Stand
• Can be reached by local transport
• Reasonably priced INR 20/= entry tickets for 1 adult
• Enjoy walking in water stream to a small waterfall inside the natural cave
• After hiking the water body, enjoy hot maggi and snacks with your feet submerged in the water stream
• If you are planning a trip to Guchhupani, Dehradun with family, friends or colleagues, then it will definitely be the best gift for them.

Review of Robbers Cave – A must have place in the itinerary for dehradun

The most ideal combination of springs and hills available in India, Robbers cave Dehradun has retained the charm of every visitor for ages. It gives a perfect potpourri of thrill and enrapture, getting drenched in precipitous appearance of sizzling spring that cascades the interior areas of the dark caves of Guchhupani.

Recommendation: Among the various Dehradun Tourist Places, if you are planning to visit Robber's Cave (Guchhupani or Guchu Pani) only, then 1 day trip will do.

• From New Delhi, take a cab and reach Guchhupani in Dehradun in 5 hours. (Depending on traffic, the time might increase)

OR

• From New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), board any fast train that leaves early that day or late night the previous day and reach Guchhupani in Dehradun at around 10-11 AM.

• Enjoy marching in the water stream, View the naturally build cave interior and Delight in the waterfall
• Then just sit and relax for as much time as you want to
• Enjoy maggi with your feet afloat in the water stream
• This serene cave is the perfect getaway for you, if peace and solitude is on your mind.

Read about Robbers Cave, India at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robber%27s_Cave,_India
Connect with Robbers cave Dehradun at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobbersCaveDehradun
Read more about Guchhupani, Robbers cave Dehradun on Google+: https://plus.google.com/111318660669268592783/about?gl=in&hl=en