Exploring 6000 Years Old Shiva Temple Inside Cave -Tapkeshwar Temple Dehradun

In this post, I am going to share my travel journey of exploring  an ancient over 6000 years old Shiva temple inside the cave of a hill in Dehradun, Uttarkhand, India. This temple has a very long history and very much believed and worshiped temple it is in state of Uttarkhand, but it looks unexplored by domestic as well as international tourists.

Location of the Ancient Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple

The temple is about 6KM away from the center of Dehradun city, in the bank of Tauns river. Tauns river originates from Himalaya and touching the feet of Lord Shiva in the temple it mixes with Yamuna river and finally with Ganges. Both side of the river there are many caves and temples inside it. But the main temple is in womb of the left hill and that is where the over 6000 years old natural Shiva ling is situated.

History of Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Dehradun India

From ancient time, in the epoch of truth, gods and goddesses used to come into this cave and do worship for gods of god – Mahadev (Shiva). And, lord Shiva used to appear here with various form after getting happy with his devotee.

Similarly, in Dwapar Yug  ( Dwarpar Epoch – 3 epoch of Hinduism, time of Lord Krishna), a great sage named Dronacharya also did a very hard & difficult pray for many years to make gods of god – Mahadev , happy to get some special tricks, skills and knowledge on Archery. He is the one Guru of Pandavs of greatest epic of world Mahabharata who fought for the victor truth.

There is one more story, the son of Dronacharya, Ashwathama  wanted to drink the milk and asked his father. They he said, Lord Shiva has got many cows , ask him, he will give you milk. Then Ashwathama did 6 month worship by standing in one leg. And later lord Shiva became so happy with him and he showed his form and gave him milk. In that time, it is explained that, the milk used to come from the breasts shaped stones just above the Shiva linga of Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple.  Dropping in Hindi is called – Tapkna, that is why the temple is also famous for the name of Tapkeshwar Mahadev. As milk used to drop from here, so many people say Doodheshwar Mahadev as well.

8 things to Visit & Explore Inside Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple

1. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Shiv Ling ( The Main Temple)

2. Goddess Vaishno Devi Temple inside Cave hole.

3. Goddess Durga Temple at the bridge

4. Santoshi Mata Temple Opposite to the Main temple

5. Shiva temple inside the cave opposite to main temple but before Santoshi mata temple.

6. You can take picture with huge Hanuman Statue.

7. If you are not in visiting in rainy season take bath in holy Tauns river or walk by.

8. Explore the jungle near by both in towards the flow of river and also in opposite direction.

Guide to Before, In,  After Worship inside Takpeshwar Temple Dehradun

Before Entering Tapkeshwar Mandir (Temple)

There are many gods  & goddesses  temples inside the temple premises. So, if you are tourist you can just go and look around but if you want to do worship as well , then buy a worshiping kit. The worshiping kit are from INR 21 t0 INR 205 and even more, expensive. You can buy a medium one INR 51 (O.85 $). There is no ticket for anyone to visit and take photos.

There are many shops selling worshiping kits, but if you have luggage, I will suggest you to buy from in the left side of the main gate to temple or any shop not from road, so that you can put your luggage at his shop. Do not worry, people are not going to steal your luggage if you put in his shop. He is running business over years.

P.S. – When you go in front of shop, give a wonderful Namaste with beautiful smile in your face. He will be very happy to assist you.

After Entering Temple

You will get down by ladders as you saw in video above. Then later, you will see gods and goddess statues carved by stones in both side. But the main temple is in the left side of the ladder while going down. You will see the sigh and board. You can follow other people as well.

Do worship in the main temple first, then on right side do worship in Durga mata temple. then other side of the river , do worship in Vaishno Devi temple and many more if you are left with flowers , bel patra and other holy offerings.

Tips For Non Hindu Tourist on Tapkeshwar Mandir

If you are non Hindu or western tourist who have no idea about Hindu worshiping, then :

1. If there is crowd at temple – follow what they do and after every offering ask your desires/wishes.

2. If there is no crowd at temple – Give all your worshiping items to priest staying close to statue, he will suggest you what to do and what not to do. Later he will worship and give you the Prashad ( Sacrament) which you can take home and share with your people so that they will also get benefited.

Is Photography/ Videography Allowed in Temple Premises  ?

Yes, anybody can take photos and videos of anywhere in temple premises except Maa Santoshi temple. See the picture below.

How to Reach Takeshwar Mahadev Temple (Mandir) Dehradun, India ?

Dehradun is about 240 KM away from capital city of India – New Delhi. Dehradun is itself a very famous city in India. You can reach to Dehrdun by Bus,  by train or by plane.

Once you reach Dehradun either bus stand or ISBT. You will get either Tuk Tuk or Dehradun city bus. Take any one by confirming, they will charge you below INR 17 (0.30 $).  Once you get into tuk tuk or bus , tell the ticketing agent to drop you at Tapkeshwar temple. He will drop you.

The bus or tuk tuk do not reach till temple, so you have to walk about 1.5 – 2 KM. It can take you about 10 min by walking with medium speed. Proper land marks are provided.

So you really don’t have to worry. But if you get worried, ask any people in Hindi ( People speak English barely there) , they will guide you.

Happy Visiting, I have more videos and pictures of tapkeshwar Mahadev, see this one , I am talking with cute Sheep at the bank of the Tauns river.