Koteshwar Mahadev Rudraprayag: A Cave that Saved Lord Shiva from Bhasmasur
If you’ve ever seen pictures of Koteshwar Mahadev temple in Rudraprayag, we are sure you’ve wanted to visit there. In this post, we are going to share everything there is to know about the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple of Uttarakhand, showcasing its history, significance, and how to reach there.
Where is Koteshwar Mahadev Rudraprayag Located?
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a popular Shiva Temple and can be accessed by road quite easily. It is 3 Kilometers away from the holy town of Rudraprayag on the Chopta-Pokhari Road. This holy cave temple is located on the banks of the mighty Alaknanda river, and you will need to walk a short distance to see the amazing view that beholds the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple.

History of Koteshwar Mahadev Rudraprayag Temple
As per legends, Lord Shiva had granted Bhasmasur the power to burn anyone on whose’s head he places his hand. After attaining these powers, the devil Bhasmasur attempted to kill Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva then escaped and meditated at the Koteshwar cave to seek Lord Vishnu’s help. Lord Vishnu then killed Bhasmasur and saved Lord Shiva’s life.
Devotees from all parts of the country and the world visit this amazing place to witness the amazing beauty of the mighty Alaknanda river and bear witness to one of the most famous legends of Lord Shiva.
How to Reach Koteshwar Mahadev Rudraprayag Temple?
You can reach Koteshwar Mahadev Temple in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, by taking National Highway 7 (Char Dham all-weather route) and then taking the Chopta-Pokhari route from Rudraprayag. Rudraprayag is a great place to stay if you’re on your Char Dham yatra, and you should not miss visiting this amazing temple.

By Road
For those who are looking to visit the temple, it is situated just 3 km away from the town of Rudraprayag. One can reach it by hiring a taxi or taking a shared jeep or bus from Rudraprayag. You can even drive there since the roads are exceptional on this route.
By Rail
Rishikesh (139.1 KM), Haridwar (163.2 KM), and Dehradun (178.4 KM) are the nearest railway stations to Koteshwar Mahadev temple. You can book a train according to what suits you best.
By Airways
The nearest airport to Koteshwar Mahadev Rudraprayag temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is about 155.8 km away. From here, you can either hail a taxi straight to the temple, catch a local bus, or share a taxi to Rudraprayag.
Best Time to Visit Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
You can visit Koteshwar Mahadev Temple all around the year; however, try to avoid the months of July and August since the rainy season in the mountains can be pretty uncertain, and you do not want to be near the raging Alaknanda during that time.

Important Cities Near Koteshwar Mahadev Temple Rudraprayag
City | Distance from Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Rudraprayag |
Srinagar | 36.3 KM |
Devprayag | 69.5 KM |
Rishikesh | 142.9 KM |
Haridwar | 167.7 KM |
Dehradun | 179 KM |
Delhi | 403.6 KM |
Places/Temples to See Near Koteshwar Mahadev Temple Rudraprayag
Place | Distance from Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Rudraprayag |
Rudraprayag | 3 KM |
Hariyali Devi Temple | 12 KM |
Dhari Devi | 23 KM |
Karnaprayag | 35.1 KM |
Kartik Swami Temple | 35.3 KM + 3 KM Trekking |
Basukedar Temple | 39.6 KM |
Karm Jeet Temple | 40.7 KM |
Conclusion
With its rich history and breathtaking location, it is no wonder why visiting Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. The temple is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India and provides a spiritual escape from the mundane routine of daily life. For those seeking spiritual rejuvenation, visiting the temple is a must-see attraction.