Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Nestled amidst dense cedar forest, the temple offers an enchanting view of nature. Devotees with deep faith in Mahadev, often visit this temple from far and wide. Pilgrims can access this temple by road, which is located around 140 km from Haridwar district. They can reach the shrine using various services such as buses, shared taxis, and others.
Surrounded with thick deodar trees, the temple offers a mesmerizing view especially in the morning time. Legend says that to provide shade to Shiva, Parvati transformed herself into seven deodar trees, which appear in the form of the word OM. It is said that these thick and dense deodar forests originated from these seven Parvati trees. Devotees can find an idol of shiva performing Tandav in the sanctum sanctorum. It is said that the idol was placed above the Shivling that was worshiped earlier.
Moreover, pilgrims can also seek blessings of the goddess Shakti, whose temple lies adjacent to the main temple. There are a few things that are not allowed inside the temple; including Kandar leaves (Sal leaves), Mustard Oil, and people of the Aswal communities. There are many folklore tales about the prohibition of Aswal communities.
People said, once Tadkeshwar and members of Aswal communities had an altercation. To resolve the conflict, they decided to have a fight the next day and the loser had to leave the village. Aswal’s communities thought that if they lost, it would be an embarrassment for them, so they decided to coat their body with mustard oil. Due to the slipperiness, Tadkeshwar was unable to hold them properly and fell into the gorge. Later, Tadkeshwar performed a penance near the village and pleased shiva. Afterwards, he built a temple and cursed the Aswal communities, declaring that if any of them tries to enter the temple, then something bad would happen to them.
As per the legend, Tarkeshwar, a demon, has a great faith in Lord Shiva. It is said that he performed a great penance to get a boon from Shiva. Pleased with this devotion, Lord Shiva asked Tarkeshwar for his wish. Tarkeshwar wished that no one could kill him except Lord Shiva Son, Shiva smirked and accepted his wishes. At that time, Shiva was not married to Parvati and followed an ostentatious life.
After fulfilling Tarkeshwar wish, Shiva left for penance near Gopeshwar (at Gopinath Temple). After receiving a boon Tarkeshwar killed many saints and deities, which created havoc all over the world. The defeated deities visited Lord Brahma (the founder of Universe) to seek help. In response, Brahma said that only Shiva can help in this critical situation. Consequently, all deities visit Shiva and narrate the whole story.
Shiva then married Parvati, and later Kartikeya was born and killed Tarkeshwar. In the last stage of his life Tarkeshwar prayed to Lord Shiva and asked forgiveness for his wrongdoings. Shiva blessed him and said you will be remembered by my name. Thus, the temple where shiva is mediated is called Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple. On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, lots of devotees visit temples from afar to seek blessing. Upon fulfilling wishes, devotees offer a bell.
As you can see the temple path is encircled with a number of bells. Temple also houses an ashram, which provides accommodation facilities. Pilgrims who want to enjoy the beauty of nature can stay here but you need to inform the authorities in advance with your requirements.
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