Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This famous holy temple of Lord Shiva is situated on the bank of seasonal Asan river near Dehradun, Uttrakhand. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is known to have one of the oldest Shivling in the cave. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at a distance of 6.5 km from Dehradun city. As water droplets continuously drops on the shivling, hence it was named as Tapkeshwar. Water drops from the ceiling of the cave trickle down over the Shivlinga in a continuous downpour, making for an interesting spectacle.
Legend has it that Ashwathama, son of Guru Drona, also did penance here. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva blessed him on a purnima day. The legend goes on like this - The small cave with this splendid scenery is said to be once resided by Dronacharya- the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas in Hindu holy epic Mahabharata written by Veda Vyasa. The cave is named Drona Cave after his name. When Dronacharya’s wife Kalyani gave birth to Ashwathama, the couple had a problem to feed him because milk didn’t produce in Kalyani’s breast. Dronacharya could not afford to buy cow or cow milk for his son. Young Ashwathaama was a clever child to know his parent’s problem and prayed to lord Shiva for milk. Happy with child Ashwathaama’s prayer, lord Shiva provided him with milk drops which dripped on the Shiva ling in Drona Cave – the cave where Dronacharya and his family resided. Thus Ashwathama’s hunger and desire was fulfilled. Today, we can see the captivating scene of water drops silently dripping down to the Shivalinga. Tapak means to drip, thus the name Tapkeshwar means that drips.
Another legend has it that milk used to trickle from the cave roof on the Shivling worshipped in the temple. But as Kali Yuga advanced milk turned into water.
The shivling worshipped in the Tapkeshwar Temple is swayambhu, or that which manifested on its own. Depending on the occasion the Shivlinga is adorned with Mukut or crown made of rudraksha, silver or gold. Bhagavan Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Ganesha are also worshipped in the temple in pindi forms. Tapkeshwar mahadev temple has a rare shivling made of 5151 Rudraksh beads.
The Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple houses two shivlingas. Both these shivlingas are not man-made and have come into existence naturally. A festival is held here every year. This festival is known as Tapkeshwar fair. It takes place at Shivratri and has great religious significance. The festival is celebrated with great fervour and revelry.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple Is Situated Just 6.5 Kms Away From Dehradun At Tapkeshwar Road. Devotees Can Easily Reach This Temple By Bus/Taxi. Dehradun Railway Station Is The Nearest Railway Station Which is situated at a Distance Of 7 Kms from the Temple and Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport which is located just 32 Kms From The Temple.
