DHINAM ORU KOVIL - 126.

SRI. TAPKESHWAR TEMPLE, DEHRADHUN, UTTARKHAND.

This temple of Lord Shiva is situated on the Garhi Cantt Road and is 30 km from Jolly Grant
Airport Dehradun, 9 km from ISBT Dehradun and 7 km from Railway Station Deharadun.
Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun, also known as Tapekshwar Mahadev Temple, is one of the most
famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated by the forest side, the main shivalinga at the
temple is inside a natural cave. Water drops from the ceiling of the cave trickle down over the
shivalinga in a continuous downpour, making for an interesting spectacle.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is situated on the bank of a river that adds to the beauty of the holy
place. One of the oldest Shiva lingas is in the cave nearby where the river enters and water drops
drip down on the Shiva linga. 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
Veda Vyasa. The cave is named Drona Cave after his name.
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 linga 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 water
springs where devoted pilgrims take bath before entering the temple.
A large festival is held on Shivratri day around the Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun. People in large
numbers participate in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the
deity every year. Drona Cave, surrounded by beautiful hills, is usually covered with picnickers from
Dehradun and nearby districts.
I HAVE VISITED ONCE.