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 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 1800 metres. Just 38 kilometres from Lansdowne, it can be reached by taxi or bus. Tadkeshwar is the presiding deity of the villages in this area as also of the Garhwal Rifles.
About the Temple
Tarkeshwar is one of the Siddha Peeths of Lord Shiva. A Shivling used to be worshipped here but it was replaced by an idol of Lord Shiva in the Tandav pose. It is said the idol was discovered here at the same spot where the Shivling used to be. It is plain and simple in appearance with a low courtyard surrounding the main temple. The temple has an air of serenity and a deep calm pervades the atmosphere around it. There are about 1000 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 that devotees make an offering of tiny bells. The usual offering at Shiva temples is milk and bili leaves but here it is bells of all sizes. These bells are hung outside and fill the air with their pleasant tinkles. Also unique is the presence of a deodhar in the shape of a Trishul. If one sits under this tree and chants the Shiva Mantra and if a branch falls off, then the family is blessed by the Lord. 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 a demon residing in this area and he meditated on Lord Shiva who was pleased and granted him a boon of immortality. It was granted on 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 to gain power. The Gods and the sages went to Lord Shiva for help and Shiva thereupon married Parvati and a son was born to them named Kartikeya. Kartikeya grew up and killed Tarakasur but the demon prayed to Lord Shiva for pardon. Lord Shiva granted pardon and gave his name to the temple where Tarakasur meditated, which is why the temple is known as Tarkeshwar Mahadev.
It is believed that the Trishul Deodhar is none other than Swami Rama, one of the sages of the ancient times and the 999 deodars 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 go on to Duggada, Lansdowne, the pine forest and then reach Tarkeshwar. Lansdowne does offer attractions such as the Bhulla Lake but you will also be tempted to visit Tadkeshwar. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Tarkeshwar or Tarkeshwar by road. You take a taxi to Gundalkhet village and walk 1 kilometre to reach Tarkeshwar. You can also fly in to Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun and drive 177 kilometres to this temple.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is open all year round but March to November is the idol time to visit. During Maha Shivratri festival you can explore the beauty and grandeur of this ancient temple.
Enty Fee: Free entry for everyone
If you visit Lansdowne, make it a point to visit Tarkeshwar, an abode of peace and tranquility.
