Quick Facts
- Location: Rikhnikhal, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 1,800 meters
- Distance from Lansdowne: 38 km (1.5 hours by road)
- Deity: Lord Shiva (idol in Tandav pose)
- Unique Features: Tiny bells offered, Trishul-shaped deodar tree for blessings
- Stay: Dharamshala available
- Legends: Linked to demon Tarkeshwar (Tarakasur) and Lord Shiva
- Best Time: March to November
- Entry Fee: Free
Lansdowne is a picturesquely charming hill resort in Uttarakhand. Visit Lansdowne, and you will be directed to visit the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Located in the Bichla Badalpur stretch of the Rikhnikhal block of Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, the temple epitomizes peace and tranquility. A fringe of deodars surrounds the temple that sits at a height of 1,800 metres. Just 38 kilometres from Lansdowne, it can be reached by taxi or bus. Tarkeshwar is the presiding deity of the villages in this area, as well as of the Garhwal Rifles.
About the Temple
Tarkeshwar is one of the Siddha Peeths of Lord Shiva. A Shivling was traditionally worshipped here, but it was replaced by an idol of Lord Shiva in the Tandav pose. The idol was discovered at the same spot where the Shivling used to be. The temple is simple in appearance with a low courtyard surrounding the main structure. The temple has an air of serenity, and a deep calm pervades the atmosphere around it. There are about 1,000 deodar trees around the temple, and the air is filled with the typical piney scent. The temple has an attached Dharamshala where one can stay overnight, and meals are also served here.
Unique to the temple is the practice of devotees making offerings of tiny bells. The usual offering at Shiva temples is milk and bili leaves, but here, bells of all sizes are hung outside, filling the air with their pleasant tinkles. Also unique is the presence of a deodar tree in the shape of a Trishul. It is believed that if one sits under this tree and chants the Shiva Mantra, and if a branch falls off, the family is blessed by Lord Shiva. It is also believed that when devotees offer milk to Shiva and pour it at his feet, the offering travels 25 km underground through capillaries to reach Jhalsain.
Legends and myths
Tarkeshwar was originally a demon residing in this area, and he meditated on Lord Shiva, who was pleased and granted him a boon of immortality. However, this boon was granted on the condition that only Lord Shiva’s son would be able to kill Tarakasur. Tarakasur became swollen with pride and used his power to kill saints and gain control over the world. The Gods and sages approached Lord Shiva for help, and in response, Shiva married Parvati, and their son Kartikeya was born. Kartikeya grew up and killed Tarakasur, but the demon prayed for forgiveness. Lord Shiva granted the demon pardon and gave his name to the temple where Tarakasur meditated, which is why the temple is known as Tarkeshwar Mahadev.
It is also believed that the Trishul Deodhar is none other than Swami Rama, one of the sages of ancient times, and the 999 deodars surrounding the temple are his disciples in meditation.
How to Reach
Lansdowne is about 248 kilometres from Delhi and can be reached by buses and private taxis. You can also travel by train to Kotdwar, the nearest railway station, from where you can take a taxi to Duggada, then drive through the pine forests to reach Tarkeshwar. Lansdowne offers other attractions such as the Bhulla Lake, but you will also be tempted to visit Tarkeshwar. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Tarkeshwar by road. You can take a taxi to Gundalkhet village and walk about 1 kilometre to reach the temple. You can also fly into Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and drive approximately 177 kilometres to reach the temple.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from March to November when the weather is pleasant. The temple sees large crowds during the Maha Shivratri festival, a significant event dedicated to Lord Shiva.
If you visit Lansdowne, make it a point to visit Tarkeshwar, an abode of peace and tranquility, and experience its serene beauty.
