Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Jolly Grant Airport is about 32 km away.

• By train

  Dehradun Railway Station is about 7 km away.

• By road

  Devotees can reach the temple easily by bus or auto from Dehradun.

Rules to know

• Pilgrims bathe in the nearby sulphur-water springs before entering the temple.

Why devotees come here

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Shiva shrine about 6.5 km from Dehradun city, on Tapkeshwar Road. Its main lingam stands in a natural cave, and water that keeps dripping onto it gave the temple its name.

The cave is said to hold one of the oldest Shivlings. Water droplets keep falling onto the Shivling, and that is how the temple got its name, Tapkeshwar. Legend says Ashwatthama prayed to Shiva when Dronacharya could not afford a cow, and Shiva fed him milk dripping from the lingam in the cave.

The natural lingam has long been a place of reverence for local people. The temple is built on top of the cave, on the bank of the Tons River. During a cloudburst in the Raipur-Kumalda area, water entered the caves of the temple. The same report said rivers breached their banks and washed away bridges in the area.

Mahashivratri brings a fair that runs for over a week, and the temple committee serves free meals to devotees. Devotees also come in the month of Shravan. Each Holi, a local theatre group begins a holiday performance at the temple.

Festivals

• Every year during MahashivratriMahashivratri

  A fair runs at the temple for over a week, and the temple committee organizes free meals for devotees.

• The month of ShravanShravan

  Devotees come for darshan in this month, apart from Mahashivratri.

• Every HoliHoli

  A local theatre group, Hamari Pehchan, begins its holiday performance at the temple.

Tips for your visit

• Water has entered the caves during a cloudburst, so check current access before you travel.
• If you want to see the Mahashivratri fair, plan your trip for the week it runs.
• Hamari Pehchan begins its Holi performance here every year, if you want to see local theatre.

Questions people ask