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Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Lansdowne

ByArchit

Surrounded by the evergreen deodar, pine and rhododendron trees, at an elevation of 1800 metres, Tarkeshwar Mahadev is a popular Hindu temple located 36.5 kilometres away from Lansdowne and 67 Kilometers from Kotdwar, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Tarkeshwar Mahadev, a name that holds mythological and historical significance for the temple.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Lansdowne History

According to Hindu mythology, a demon (asura) named Tarkasur meditated on Lord Shiva in this spot and asked for the boon of immortality. Lord Shiva granted Tarkasur the boon on the condition that only my son (Shiva’s son) could kill him.

Believing that an ascetic like Shiva would never marry and have a child, Tarkasur became a tyrant and troubled the devas and sages, who pleaded to Lord Shiva to end Tadkasur’s tyranny.

It is then that Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya killed Tarkasur. In his last moments, Tarkasur pleaded for Lord Shiva’s mercy and Mahadev blessed him and attached his name to Tarkasur. Since then, the temple is named Tarkeshwar Mahadev.

The origin of the Vish Ganga and Madhu Ganga rivers reported in Skanda Purana’s Kedarkhand is also considered in Tadkeshwar Dham.

How to Reach Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple?

Tarkeshwar Mahadev is well connected by roads; however, to reach the temple, one needs to trek around 1.5 KM from the Gundalkhet Village to the temple. Taxis and buses ply regularly from Lansdowne to Gundalkhet.

Nearest Railway Station to Tarkeshwar Mahadev

The nearest railway station to Tarkeshwar Mahadev Lansdowne is Kotdwar, 68 Kilometers away. A good alternative is Hardwar railway station, at a distance of 134.7 Kilometers.

You will easily find taxis and buses to Lansdowne from either railway station. From Lansdowne, you will need to book or share a taxi to Gundalkhet village, from where the trek to Tarkeshwar Mahadev starts.

Nearest Airport to Tarkeshwar Mahadev

The nearest airport to the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Lansdowne is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, at a distance of 171 Kilometers. Jollygrant Airport is quite close to Rishikesh, from where you can find public transport or book a taxi.

Accommodation at Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Near the temple, there is an Ashram and a Dharamshala, that offers basics like accommodation and food. You will find lots of hotels and resorts in Lansdowne, from where the Temple is a couple hours’ drive.

Important Cities Near the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

  • Lansdowne: 36.5 KM
  • Kotdwar: 67.2 KM
  • Haridwar: 139.4 KM
  • Pauri: 119.8 KM
  • Dehradun: 183.6 KM
  • Delhi: 308.6 KM

Best Time to Visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

The Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is open all around the year and can be visited all year round; however, you should avoid the months of July, August, and September due to heavy rainfall. If you wish to experience true devotion, make sure you visit this temple on Shivratri.

Conclusion: Why Visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple?

Tarkeshwar Mahadev is a beautiful and serene temple that is worth visiting, especially for those seeking spiritual solace in the midst of natural beauty. The temple and its surroundings offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. The atmosphere inside the temple is calm and peaceful, with the sound of bells and the chanting of mantras filling the air.