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Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun
Shiva · Cave Temple · Uttarakhand
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
The Tapkeshwar Temple at Dehradun is a much-loved cave shrine of Shiva, set on the bank of a stream in the Doon valley, where water drips ceaselessly from the rock onto the lingam — the dripping (tapak) that gives the temple its name. Tradition links the cave to the sage Dronacharya of the Mahabharata, and the natural abhishek of falling water draws pilgrims throughout the year.
The lingam bathed by the rock
In the cave, water seeps continuously through the limestone above and falls drop by drop upon the Shivalinga, performing a perpetual abhishek that no priest needs to begin. This natural anointing is the heart of the shrine, and it is from this dripping that the lord is called Tapkeshwar, “the dripping lord.”
The cave of Dronacharya
Local tradition holds the cave to be the dwelling of Dronacharya, the warrior-guru of the Kauravas and Pandavas, and links it to the birth and upbringing of his son Ashwatthama — so the place is also known as the Drona Cave. The setting, in a fold of the hills with a stream running below, gives the shrine an old and secluded feel within easy reach of the city.
A festival by the stream
Maha Shivaratri brings a great fair to Tapkeshwar, when long queues of devotees descend to the cave with offerings, and the shallow stream beside the temple fills with bathers. For much of the year the shrine is a quiet, cool retreat just a few kilometres from the centre of Dehradun.
How to reach Tapkeshwar
- By road: the temple is about 6 km from the centre of Dehradun, in the Garhi Cantonment area.
- By train: Dehradun railway station is the nearest railhead.
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 30 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Tapkeshwar?
The name comes from the water that drips (tapak) continuously from the cave roof onto the Shivalinga, performing a natural, never-ending abhishek of the lord.
What is the Dronacharya connection?
Tradition holds the cave to be the dwelling of Dronacharya of the Mahabharata, linked to his son Ashwatthama, and it is also known as the Drona Cave.
Where is the Tapkeshwar Temple?
It is a cave temple about 6 km from the centre of Dehradun, in the Garhi Cantonment area on the bank of a stream.
What is special about the worship here?
Water dripping from the rock continually bathes the Shivalinga, so the lord receives a perpetual natural abhishek without any priest beginning it.
How do I reach Tapkeshwar?
The temple is about 6 km from central Dehradun. Dehradun railway station is the nearest railhead and Jolly Grant Airport is about 30 km away.
When is the temple busiest?
Maha Shivaratri brings a great fair with long queues; the rest of the year the cave is a quiet, cool retreat near the city.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Shiva as Tapkeshwar (the dripping lord) |
| Setting | Cave with water dripping on the lingam |
| Tradition | Cave of Dronacharya (Drona Cave) |
| River | Tons stream |
| Main Festival | Maha Shivaratri |
| Nearby | Dehradun (~6 km) |