About Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Located at some 1800 meters at a distance of 38 km from Lansdowne, it is one of best place to visit around Lansdowne. Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is surrounded by Deodar trees and tranquil atmosphere which also favours it as a best meditation place for sages from a long time.
Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple – Siddh Peeth of Lord Shiva
Known by adding the name of a demon ‘Tarkeshwar or Tadkeshwar’ with Lord shiva ‘Mahadev’, Tarkeshwar Mahadev is a temple of deep faith and devotion to the Lord Shiva. As per the legends, Tarkasur was a demon who meditated and worshiped Lord Shiva at this location for a boon.
Happy with Tarkasur immense devotion and worship, Lord Shiva gave him a boon of immortality as per Tarkasur request except Lord Shiva’s son. Satisfied with the thought that Lord Shiva follows ‘Vairagya’ (Detachment from earthy things and emotions), Tarkasur accepts Lord Shiva boon condition of immortality.
Tarkasur was started evil by killing saints and destroy peaceful environment on earth. Saints and sages asked for help from Lord Shiva. Disturbed by wrong doings of Tarkasur, Lord Shiva married with Parvati and Kartikeya was born. Kartikeya soon killed Tarkasur but at the time of death Tarkasur makes prayer to Lord Shiva and asked for pardon. Mahadev then attached his name to the temple where Tarkasur meditated once and gave him boon to be prayed in Kalyug also. That place named as Tadkeshwar Mahadev.
Earlier there was a Shivling present at the Tadkeshwar Mahadev temple, but now a Lord Shiva idol performing tandava is worshiped. This Lord Shiva idol was discovered few years ago at the same place where Shivling was present. An Ashram and Dharmashala is present at the temple. With prior information of visit in advance, one can stay and breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served as per Ashram rules at the Dharamshala.
On the day of Mahashivratri, Tadkeshwar Mahadev temple becomes full of devotees came from far away places. Many devotees believed that Lord Shiva is still there and is in deep sleep. Thousands of bells encircled the temple which are offered by the devotees.
How To Reach Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at 38 kms from Lansdowne and can be reached easily by hiring taxi from Lansdowne to Gundalkhet village. From the village, temple is just 1 km ahead which can be easily trek. Nearest rail connectivity is at Kotdwara railway station (70 kms) and airport at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (177 kms).
