Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Introduction to Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Located on a hilltop at a height of 2092 meters, Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient pilgrim spot. It lies 37 km from Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. This is one of the Siddha peeths dedicated to Shiva. This popular tourist place in Lansdowne attracts a massive crowd on festival days. Dense pine and deodar forests surround the temple.

Legend of Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

According to legend, the demon Tarakasura pleased Shiva with his devotion. So, he had given him the boon of immortality. But, he laid a condition that his son alone would be able to kill the demon. Tarakasura became powerful and started killing innocent people and Rishis. To save their souls, the Rishis approached Shiva and prayed to him to kill the demon. But, as per his boon, Shiva could not kill the demon. So, he married Parvati, and Kartikeya was born.

Kartikeya killed Tarakasura. But before he took his last breath, the demon King realized his mistake. Tarakasura meditated upon Shiva and sought his forgiveness. Shiva forgave him. Shiva blessed him with a boon that in Kalyug, people would worship here in the name of Tadkeshwar Mahadev. That's why the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is named after the demon.

According to local beliefs and tales, the Pandavas built the temple during their exile. Once, Rama visited the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple during his journey to the Himalayas. The temple is also believed to be the place where Devas and Asuras churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality.

The Architecture of Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

The temple features the traditional Garhwal style of architecture. It is constructed using materials like slate, stone, and wood.

Before entering the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, devotees can find closed pools for ladies and open pools for bathing. There is a Kund on the temple premises. Priests take holy water from the Kund and offer it to the Shivalinga.

Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is built on a raised platform. It has a rectangular plan with a single entrance. A walled courtyard surrounds the temple. The sanctum sanctorum houses a Shiva Linga, which is self-manifested. The Linga is of black stone and two feet high. The sanctorum has a square-shaped flat roof. There is another temple for Maa Parvati near the main temple. On the temple premises, people can see a Havan kund where the fire is burning. Devotees offer incense here. The temple has a Mandapa in front of the main temple. There is a raised platform with wooden pillars in the Mandapa. Its roof is also built of slate.

Beautiful carvings and sculptures depict many Hindu deities and mythological scenes on the temple's exterior walls. The carvings also reflect the Garhwal style. Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a beautiful example of traditional Garhwal architecture.

Festivals in Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple celebrates Mahashivaratri annually with great pomp, and devotees gather in thousands to offer prayers. Jalabhishek is performed during Mahashivaratri.

Benefits of Worshipping at Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

People offer bells to the deity during special occasions like the birth of a newborn child and weddings. They offer bells to the deity once their prayers are fulfilled. People can see these bells from the entrance to the temple.