TARKESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE- LANSDOWNE (UTTRAKHAND)

Tarkeshwar Mahadev is a sidhpeetha temple in Lansdowne of state Uttrakhand of Pauri Garhwal it's about 1500-2000 years old holds strong belief and religion significance. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tarkeshwar temple is Kul Devta of more than 85 villages in this area. Special Pooja is organized in this temple twice a year, in which a new crop is offered to the lord of the villagers.

Nestled on a hilltop at an altitude of 2092 meters, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient holy spot tourists as well as locals in Lansdowne witnesses a huge influx of devotees during the Mahashivratri Festival. This holy place is situated at distance of 69 km from Kotdwar and 38 km away from Lansdowne.

The temple premises surrounding by lush green pine, oak and deodar forest. There are also numerous flowing water pools.

MYTHOLOGY OF TARKESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE 

According to the legend, Tarkasur was a demon who mediated and worship Lord Shiva at this location for a boon, pleased and impressed by his devotion Lord Shiva gave his boon to be of Immortality as per Tarkasur request except from Lord Shiva's Son. Even after Tarkasur began to being evil and started to threaten god and killing saint's. Sage asked for help from Lord Shiva. Disturbed by wrong doings of Tarkasur. Lord Shiva married Parvati and Kartikey was born. Soon after kartikey killed him. But at the time of death Tarkasur makes prayer to Lord Shiva and asked for pardon. Later after Mahadev names attached to this temple where Tarkasur mediated named as " Tarkeshwar Mahadev ". 

Earlier there was a shivling present at the tarkeshwar Mahadev but now a Lord Shiva idol of performing Tandava is worship there. An Ashram and Dharamshala are also present there at the temple. Thousands of bells are encircled the temple which are offered by the devotees.

HOW TO REACH 

Tarkeshwar 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 1km ahead which can be covered easily by treking. Nearest Railway Station is Kotdwar Railway Station about 72 kms away and Nearest Airport isis Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

WHEN TO VISIT

Winter season is best season to visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev however the temple is open throughout the year. Summer season starts from March and lasts till June while Monsoon starts from July to Till October

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR 

1. Santoshi Mata Temple - A higher place than the Top N Top, this temple is under the upkeep with the Garhwal Rifles people and their is no priest within a small climb reaches the temple away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. The temple is clean and reserved.

2. Darwan Singh Museum -  A historical defence museum after Victoria Cross holder from Garhwal Rifles Darwan Singh Negi, Darwan Singh Museum contains rarest collection of Garhwal Rifles. Located near the Parade Ground in Lansdowne. It was inaugurated in 1983.

3. St. Mary Church - The Garhwal Rifles Regiment Centre takes charges to convert the church. Now it's a small museum showcasing the old picture and stories of the pre independent era.

4. St. John Church - Built in 1936, most popular tourist attractions with beautiful interiors and serene atmosphere. 

THINGS TO DO IN TARKESHWAR MAHADEV

1. POOJA AND PRAYING- Offer Prayer To Lord Shiva proclaimed as the Creator of Universe.

2. NATURE ENVIRONMENT- The way to Mandir has a little trekking path which will help you to engage with nature and admire the beauty of Forest Area Around the temple.

3. Accomodation In Dharamshala - You will find a few Dharamshala Around the temple where you can stay and learn about Dharma.