Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Jolly Grant Airport, near Dehradun, is 152 km from Lansdowne, via the Kotdwar-Haridwar road.

• By train

  The nearest railway station is at Kotdwar, 44 km from Lansdowne.

Why devotees come here

Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple stands in Lansdowne, a hill station in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand. It is believed to be the town's oldest shrine, and the lingam inside is believed to be self-existent. Devotees come from across the state, especially for Shivratri.

Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Shiva. It is believed to be the oldest shrine in Lansdowne, a hill station in Pauri Garhwal district. Devotees believe the Shivalinga here is swayambhu, meaning self-existent.

According to local folklore, the name comes from Sage Kalun. Legend says he did penance here, seeking blessings from Shiva. Lansdowne lies at about 1,700 metres. It is about 45 km from Pauri, the district headquarters. Dehradun, the state capital, is about 250 km away. Devotees come from all corners of the state, especially for the festival of Shivratri.

The temple opens at 5 AM and closes at 9 PM. Bhulla Tal lake is a short distance away, and the Darwan Singh Museum is in the town. The nearest railway station is Kotdwar, 44 km away. Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is 152 km away. Lansdowne also holds the Sharadotsav festival in October.

Festivals

• Ask the temple for the dateShivratri

  Devotees come from all corners of the state to the temple for this festival.

• OctoberSharadotsav

  A cultural festival held in Lansdowne in October.

Tips for your visit

• Bhulla Tal lake is a short distance from the temple, good for boating and birdwatching.
• For history enthusiasts, the Darwan Singh Museum in Lansdowne shows artefacts from the beginning of the Garhwal Rifles regiment.

Questions people ask