Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, around 6.5Km from the main city of Dehradun, is situated on the bank of a river that adds to the beauty of the holy place. One of the oldest Shiva lings is in the cave nearby where the river enters and water drops drip down on the Shiva ling. 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 Ved Vyas. The cave is named Drona Cave after his name.

Legend of Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple

When Dronacharya’s wife Kalyani gave birth to Aswosthama, 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 Aswosthama was a clever child to know his parent’s problem and prayed to lord Shiva for milk. Happy with child Aswosthama’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 Aswosthama’s hunger and desire was fulfilled. Today, we can see the captivating scene of water drops silently dripping down to the Shiva ling. Tapak means to drip, thus the name Tapkeshwar meaning that drips.

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Tourism

Tourists in Dehradun visit Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple hardly 6Km from the main city. Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is the nearest widely popular pilgrimage in Dehradun. The beautiful temple of lord Shiva established in between the two hills attracts hundreds of tourists from and around Dehradun every month. Travelers from and around Uttarakhand state pay visit to Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple for its religious significance and adventurers go to see the water drops dripping in the Shiva ling in Drona cave.  The water that drops down vanishes underground and can be seen only few yards away in the form of a stream. In Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, cool sulphur-water springs where devoted pilgrims take bath before entering the temple.

Every year on Shivratri, large festival is held at Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple where huge mass gather to celebrate the fair. Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is also known as Guchhu Pani and is easily accessible sacred shrine where tourists do not forget to visit in Dehradun. Drona Cave, surrounded by beautiful hills, is usually covered with picnickers from Dehradun and nearby districts.