Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand India

The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is built upon the banks of a seasonal river. This Cave Temple whose presiding diety is the Lord Shiva is located in the Garhi Cantonment area. Inside the cave, a steady drip of water falls from the ceiling on to the top of the shivling. Hence the name that has befallen this temple. Tapkeshwar Mahadev means 'dripping Shiva'. Legend has it that the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is associated with the Mahabharata. According to the story, Lord Shiva made milk flow from this cave for Ashwathama, the son of Dronacharya. Once a year, during Shivaratri, a large Fair called the Tapkeshwar Mela is organised close to the temple to honour the Lord Shiva. Shiva devotees from all over India come to attend this mela.

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at a distance of approximately 5.5 km from the city centre. It is an ancient place of worship. The name itself suggests the theme of the temple which has a Shiv Ling continuously served by water droplets dripping from the stone caves. This is the venue for the Shivratri mela each year.

The Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is an age-old temple, and it has a rustic charm to it. This pretty cave temple is located in the cantonment area of Garhi. It is situated near a river, which adds to the beauty of the temple. The cave which houses the temple is called as Drona Cave. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is thronged by his ardent devotees. You can see water trickling on the Shivlinga, owing to which the temple has been christened Tapkeshwar.

The unique structural design of the temple is very appealing to the eyes. An interesting story revolves around the existence of this temple. It is believed that this temple dates back to the era of Mahabharata. Common faith follows that milk appeared from this cave owing to the powers of Lord Shiva. Ashwathama needed this milk and it was due to Lord Shiva that the milk appeared. Ashwathama was the child of Guru Dronacharya. This mythical stories revolving around it has endowed the temple with a hallowed aura.

 Built along the banks of a seasonal river in the Garhi Cantonment area, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at a distance of about 5.5 kms from the Dehradun city centre. This is a cave temple where a steady drip of water continuously falls on the Shivalinga from the cave ceiling. Associated with a Mahabharata legend that says Lord Shiva made from here for Ashwathama, son of Dronacharya; hence 'Tapkeshwar Mahadev' literally means a 'dripping Shiva'. A large fair called Tapkeshwar Mela is organized here during Shivaratri every year which devotees from all around the country join in to celebrate.