The Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun, also known as the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Shiva. Located next to the forest, the main shivalinga of the temple is inside a natural cave. Drops of water from the ceiling of the cave fall on the shivalinga in a continuous downpour, creating an interesting spectacle.

History

The Tapkeshwar Mahadeva Temple owes its importance to a natural Shiva Linga in a nearby cave. Long ago, the river flowed through the caves and continuous drops of water fell on the Shiv Linga. This became a place of reverence for the local people. This is also believed to have been used as a residence by Guru Dronacharya, the esteemed teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata written by Ved Vyas. Hence, the cave is called Drona Cave after its name.

Temple Features

Tourists in Dehradun visit the Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple located at a distance of 6 km from the main city. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is very popular as a pilgrimage site in Dehradun. The beautiful temple of Lord Shiva established between the two hills attracts hundreds of tourists from inland and around Dehradun throughout the year. Travelers from Uttarakhand and its surroundings visit Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple for its religious significance and adventurers go there to see the drops of water dripping on the Shiva ling in Drona cave, which is a spectacular sight. The falling water vanishes underground and can be seen just a few meters away in the form of a stream. At Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, cool springs of sulphurous water where devout pilgrims bathe before entering the temple.

On Shivratri day a great festival takes place around the Tapkeshwar temple. A large number of people take part in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri and pay tribute to the deity every year. Drona Cave, surrounded by beautiful hills, is often full of hikers from Dehradun and nearby districts.