A sacred hindu site and one of the most sacred places of Dehradun, Tapkeshwar temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The unique selling point of this temple is the constantly dropping water from the ceiling onto the Shiva Lingam in the cave which has also lent this temple its name. Set amongst the most picturesque forests, besides a seasonal stream the tapkeshwar temple is the most amazing blend of divinity, beauty and peace.Major Attractions: Ancient Shiva cave temple, naturally dripping water, serene surroundingsTop Activities: Temple visit, worship, photography, cave explorationDuration: 1–2 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March (especially during Mahashivratri)From just 6 kilometers away from Dehradun town the temple receives close to ten thousand pilgrims all around the year. According to legends the tapkeshwar temple is related to the epic Mahabharta's sage guru Dronacharya who meditated here at the point which is now the site of this sacred shrine. It is believed that at the meditation site, lord Shiva blessed the same and gifted his devotees water in the form of constant drops from the ceiling of the cave onto the Shila(Lingam) which in turn gave the shrine its name Tapkeshwar or lord on whom the drops of water fall. The entrance of the cave involves a flight of long steps that will take you down and expose you to the beauty of the rich greenery and a streaming stream. It is particularly a delightful and enchanting place to visit during the monsoon when the stream fills up and has a powerful flow and trees look lush green. On the day of Maha Shivaratri, an annual major festival celebrated at the shrine is thronged by thousands of people all over the country to worship Lord Shiva. With a serene ambiance, soothing sounds of water, chanting hymns, this holy place has the most spiritual and heart-warming vibe. Food stalls and spacious parking facilities are also arranged for the tourists at the entry point of the temple. October to April is generally considered the best time to visit this shrine since the climate of Dehradun is very pleasant during these months.
