Visitor Information
- Famous For: Religion, Meditation, Photography, Nature.
- Entry Fee: No fee is required.
- Visiting Time: Preferably from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Visiting Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
Cradled in the lap of the Himalayas that protect it like a guardian angel, Lansdowne is blessed with the serenity of nature. Since time immemorial, the respite provided by the quaint hill station of Lansdowne has been unparalleled. Once such place that can be equated to a religious yet heavenly abode is the famous Tarkeshwar Temple. This temple has been chosen by the sages since ages to practice meditation and yoga to satisfy the Lord of Lords, Mahadev, according to the Hindu religion. Not only selected by the sages, this temple has been popularized by thousands of pilgrims who visit this place every year with the belief that their prayers would be answered. Hence, the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is of utmost significance.
Traveller Tips
- Wear clean and fresh clothes if you intend to indulge in the daily rituals performed at the temple. Also, carry flowers and incense sticks which are easily available in some stalls outside the premises of the temple.
- Do not take photographs in the restricted zones of the premises of the temple.
Things to Do There
- Spend some time in retrospection amidst the beckoning pine, deodar and oak that had provided shelter to the sages since time immemorial.
- Seek the blessings of the Lord.
Availability of Guides
You can always rely upon the priest at the temple who would be keen to explain the history of the temple and how the rituals came into being if you lend him a patient ear.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit the mythological place of the Tarkeshwar Mahadev preferably between March and November. It is recommended that you try to visit the temple during the festival of Shivaratri as the temple is decorated in a marvellous fashion then.
How to Reach the Place
The Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple is situated at a distance of 38 km from the market of Lansdowne. In order to reach the aforesaid temple, you can hire a taxi to the village of Gundalkhet. From there, you will have to trek a short distance of 1 km straight ahead to reach the ancient temple.
Interesting Facts About the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- This temple is quite ancient and dates back to the Hindu mythology. As per the legend, Tarasura, the monster, with his meditation had gained the boon of immortality from Lord Shiva, but, was killed eventually by Mahadev’s son, Kartik due to the torment that he had inflicted. As Tarasura had meditated at this very spot, the temple has come to be known as the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
- The temple initially had a shivalinga before which the rituals were performed. However, after the discovery of the idol of Mahadev in the state of performing the tandava, the idol has been established in place of the shivalinga.
- The temple still houses many sages who dedicate their lives meditating.
- There is an ashram and a place of respite, that is, a dharamshala, where the tired pilgrims can break their fast and take rest on prior booking.
Nearby Attractions
- Bhulla Taal Lake
- Darwan Singh Museum
- Mary’s Church
- John’s Church
- Santoshi Mata Temple
- Durga Devi Temple
- Bhim Pakora
- Hawa Ghar
- War Memorial, Lansdowne
Nearby Restaurants
- Tipsy Café
- Mayur Hotel & Restaurant
- Mayur Restaurant
- Kaludanda Café
- Zayka Restaurant
- Oaktown’s Flavour
Lansdowne is a place of natural wonder touched by the essence of religion and culture. The magnificent sight of the eye-dazzling environment of this hill station had attracted both pilgrims and tourists from all over the world and, thus, this place has gained a huge religious importance. One such religious abode, the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is the greatest source of attraction and reverence for the Hindu pilgrims who come to visit this place at least once in their lifetime to seek the blessings of Lord Mahadev. Thus, the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a must visit for all.
