Sunday 18 March 2012

Tapkeshwar Temple - Dehradun

Tapkeshwar temple is one of the main abode of lord Shiva and is situated in beautiful valley of Dehradun. This temple is situated near a river in the Garhi Cantt region of Dehradun. Devotees can get a glimpse of lord Shiva in the form of Shivlinga in the cave present in the temple. A drop of water always drips on this Shivalinga from rocks at the place where this Shivalinga is placed. This place is known as Tapkeshwar because of this miracle. 

Tapkeshwar Temple Story 

This land is the abode of lord Mahadev and hence is a significant place for devotees and pilgrims. The temple is situated on this sacred land and due to its traditional form, it has won many hearts. There are many mythological stories associated with this Shivlinga. According to these, it is the land of worship of Guru Dronacharya. There are many tales which tell us that the Shivlinga present here was established by Guru Dronacharya.
It is believed that when Guru Dronacharya came to this place during his journey of India, he met a sage and he expressed his thoughts to the sage after greeting him. The sage then promised him that all his wishes will be granted. Dronchacharya expressed his wish to get a glimpse of lord Shiva. At this, the sage suggested him to go towards Rishikesh.
He told him that he will be able to get a glimpse of the Shivlinga at the bank of a river near this place. As told by the sage, Dronacharya went to that cave from Rishikesh and immersed himself in the meditation of lord Shiva. Pleased by the devotion of Guru Drone, lord Shiva told him to ask for a boon. Dronacharya then asked for the knowledge of archery and lord Shiva granted him his wish. He also blessed a son to his wife Kripi.
A son of Dronacharya took birth due to the blessings of the lord and he named him Ashvatthama. But the mother Kripi was not able to feed the child. Guru Drona went to king Drupada to get a cow to fetch the milk for the infant. But, king Drupada denied him to give the cow. Dejected Guru Drona, when came to the child, tried to console him and told him that all the cows were with lord Shiva and he would get the milk by his blessings.
The child then decided to worship lord Shiva with utter determination. Lord Shiva was pleased at the worship of the child. He disguised himself and appeared in front of the child. He tried to know the wish of the child. The child told his wish to lord Shiva in disguise but after listening to the child lord Shiva disappeared. The child started crying at this and few drops of his tears fell on Shivlinga because of which the Shivalinga was coronated. Lord Shiva melted at this.
It is because of his blessings, a stream of milk started flowing every month on Poornima. This stream offered milk to the Shivlinga first and then the child got the milk. Since then, this Shivlinga is known as Dughdeshwar Mahadev. But in the course of time, a stream of water started flowing from a rock at this place. Since drops of water continually drip here, this place is currently known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev . Devotees in large numbers come to this sacred place on the occasion of Shivratri to get a glimpse of lord Shiva and they offer water to the Shivlinga.

Tapkeshwar Temple Importance 

Tapkeshwar temple is an ancient temple which is of great mythological importance. The Shivlinga present here which is said to have appeared on its own, is popularly known as Tapkeshawar Mahadev. It is a significant place for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. Various festivities are organised in the temple and people from far off places come to take part in it. Every month on Triyodashi, Tapkeshawar Mahadev is adorned with Rudraksha and people come to get a glimpse of it.
This occasion is celebrated with great pomp and show. Along with this, a procession is organised in the month of Shravan. Thousands of devotees take part in this and get their all wishes granted after offering water to lord Shiva.

http://astrobix.com/hinduism/post/tapkeshwar-temple-dehradun-tapkeshwar-temple-tapkeshwar-cave-temple.aspx

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