Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Where ancient legends meet serene beauty
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal Dist., Uttarakhand
Duration
1 Day Darshan
Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
Approx. 5,906 ft
Best time to travel
Oct to June
Total Distance
Approx. 70 km from Kotdwar
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Introducing the Divine
Shri Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Lansdowne stands as a testament to timeless devotion shrouded in the myth and legend of Lord Shiva.
Surrounded by Deodar and pine forests, Shri Tarkeshwar Dham Mandir is located around 37 km from Lansdowne, a beautiful hill station in the Pauri district, Garhwal Himalayas. Perched at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) above sea level, this sacred abode of Lord Shiva attracts devotees, pilgrims, and nature enthusiasts alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey to unravel the rich history, mystical significance, and natural beauty of Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Lansdowne.
ORIGINS AND LEGENDS
Unraveling the Mythology
According to the local legend, there once was a demon named Tarkasur who came to the place where the temple stands and worshipped Lord Shiva for a blessing. Lord Shiva was impressed with the dedication of Tarkasur and granted him his wish of immortality (except from his son). After Tarkasur became immortal he began burning communities and destroying villages, slaying people, and threatening Gods. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and Lord Kartikeya was born. Upset with the misuse of powers by Tarkasur, Lord Shiva sent Kartikeya to confront the demon. Tarkasur was killed by Kartikeya in the ensuing battle but at the time of his death, he prayed and begged for forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Hence his name was subsequently linked to the location where he first meditated giving meaning to the named Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
As per another local folklore, Goddess Parvati once morphed into a total of seven deodar trees to provide shade to Lord Shiva, and the deodar trees that grow in the surrounding area are believed to have originated from these seven trees.
ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Enchanting Moments
Architecture of Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
The Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located in the middle of a lush Deodar forest which evokes a spiritual sense of calmness around the temple complex. Its exquisite round design is evidence of the traditional Garhwali style of architecture. The temple premises also house a Trident (Trishul) shaped tree further lending to the mystique of Lord Shiva. The holy Tadkeshwar Lingam is surrounded by magnificent sculptures and elaborate pillars that evoke reverence and awe.
Festivals and Rituals
Devotees come to the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple throughout the year seeking heavenly blessings. The temple priests perform intricate rites and ceremonies, such as the offering of lamps (Aarti), the bathing of the deity (Abhishekam), and the singing of devotional songs (Bhajans), to invoke the holy presence of Lord Shiva and enable spiritual communion with the devotees.
Sacred Legends and Folklore
There are additional legends about the Tadkeshwar Lingam's therapeutic abilities, which are said to heal illnesses and grant good fortune to the devoted.
LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE
Where faith meets Majesty
In addition to its spiritual value, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple enables pilgrims to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayas. Surrounded by beautiful trees, twisting paths, and bubbling streams, the temple offers an ideal setting for introspection, reflection, and mindfulness of the natural world.
Nearby hill station Landsdowne also offers a chance to get away from the daily rush and busy lifestyle of cities and enjoy a peaceful holiday in the Himalayan setting.
HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Undertaking the journey of Discovery
How to Reach Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple can be reached via Kotdwar from any major city like Dehradun, Haridwar or Delhi. Kotdwar is the largest nearby town while the neighbouring Lansdowne is a famous hill station and an army base (Garhwal Rifle Regiment Base).
Weather Conditions at Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Summers in Lansdowne are pleasant and lovely. Monsoons are messy and wet while winters are known to bring snow along with severe chills.
TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
Detailed Information
Private Transport
You can directly reach Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple by road through private transport via the following routes:
Dehradun - Haridwar - Kotdwar - Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple - Approx. 183 km
Dehradun - Rishikesh - Shivpuri - Gumkhal - Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple - Approx. 181 km
Delhi - Meerut - Kotdwar - Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple - Approx. 283 km
Public Transport
You can avail a bus towards Lansdowne from Kotdwar and hire a taxi to the temple thereafter.
You can avail a bus towards Kotdwar from Dehradun/Delhi/Haridwar and either go to Lansdowne or directly hire a taxi to the temple thereafter.
Important note: The frequency of public transport between Kotdwar and Delhi is low.
By Road
The nearest Inter State Bus Station is in Kotdwar.
Distance between Lansdowne & Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Approx. 17 Km
Distance between Kotdwar & Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Approx. 190 Km
Distance between Haridwar & Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Approx. 198 Km
Distance between Dehradun & Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Approx. 270 Km
Distance between Delhi & Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Approx. 394 Km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kotdwar.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport. You can reach the temple directly by hiring a local taxi from Dehradun airport or take a bus to Kotdwar after reaching Haridwar.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Temple
Legend has it that the waters of the nearby Tarkeshwar Kund are infused with the divine blessings of Lord Shiva, believed to possess healing properties for ailments and afflictions.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the few temples in India where devotees can witness the natural formation of a lingam, symbolizing the cosmic energy of Lord Shiva.
The temple complex is home to a sacred grove of Deodar trees, considered to be the abode of celestial beings and guardian spirits according to local folklore.
During the annual Maha Shivaratri festival, the temple comes alive with vibrant celebrations, including devotional songs, cultural performances, and elaborate rituals honoring Lord Shiva.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is mentioned in ancient scriptures and texts, including the Skanda Purana and the Kedarkhand section of the Garuda Purana, highlighting its historical and spiritual significance.
TEMPLE ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Delhi or Kotdwar, Arrival in Lansdowne
Day 2: Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple Darshan
Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Kotdwar