Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is 152 km from Lansdowne, the nearest airport to the town.

• By train

  Kotdwar is the nearest railway station to Lansdowne, 44 km away.

• By road

  The temple is 36 km from Lansdowne, the hill station in Pauri Garhwal district where many hotels are found.

Why devotees come here

Tarkeshwar Mahadev is a village in Pauri Garhwal district, 36 km from Lansdowne at about 1,800 m. Shiva is the presiding deity here. Its deodar grove is believed to take the shape of the letter Om.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev is a village 36 km from Lansdowne. Shiva is the presiding deity. Legend says the demon Tarkasur meditated and worshipped Shiva at this spot to win a boon. Shiva then attached his name to the temple where Tarkasur meditated, and the place took the name Tarkeshwar Mahadev.

Another text says Parvati turned herself into seven deodar trees to shade Shiva. The deodar grove is believed to take the shape of the letter Om. Earlier a Shivling stood here. Today a Shiva idol in the tandava, the dancing pose, is worshipped, and the Shivling is placed under that idol.

A temple dedicated to Shakti stands next to the main temple. Lansdowne, the nearby hill station, is the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifle. The special worship is held during Shivratri and in the month of May.

Festivals

• During ShivratriShivratri

  A special worship is held at the temple.

• In the month of MaySpecial worship in May

  Special worships are held at the temple.

Tips for your visit

• The temple committee provides a dharamshala for accommodation.
• The deodar and pine forest around the temple is an ideal place for those who seek beauty in nature.

Questions people ask