Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Dehradun

One of Dehradun’s most popular spiritual tourist destinations, the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is crowded with devotees to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. Located on the bank of seasonal Asan River near Dehradun, Tapkeshwar Temple is known to have one of the oldest Shivling in the cave. The temple derives its name from the dripping of the water from the roof of the cave. The water from the river it sits beside enters the cave, which eventually drops off on the Shiv Ling. This water eventually disappears underground, only to reappear as a stream a few yards away from the temple. There is also a hot water spring where devotees can take a sacred bath.

One can see the traces of the temple in the Sanskrit epic of ancient India, Mahabharat. As per the mythology, Guru Dronacharya, teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas, resided in the caves and meditated for a long time to gain knowledge and expertise in military acts such as archery. Also in the Drona Cave, Guru Dronacharya and his wife, Kripi, were blessed with a baby boy, Ashwathama, and milk started dripping from this cave owing to the powers of Lord Shiva for Ashwathama, who needed this milk. The cave inside the temples is named Drona Cave after Guru Dronacharya. The temple springs to life during the Tapkeshwar fair, which takes place at Shivratri. Don't miss to get the bhog prasad, Bhaang Pakode and Bhaang juice, during the Tapkeshwar Fair.