History

Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun, also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated by the forest side, the main shivalinga at the temple is inside a natural cave. Water drops from the ceiling of the cave trickle down over the shivalinga in a continuous downpour, making for an interesting spectacle.
The Shiva linga is in a cave nearby where the river enters and water droplets drip down on the Shivalinga. The small cave with this splendid scenery is said to have been once resided by Dronacharya- the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas in the Hindu epic Mahabharata written by Ved Vyas. The cave is thus named Drona Cave after his name.
Tourists in Dehradun visit Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple located at a distance of 6 km from the main city. Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is widely popular as a pilgrimage site in Dehradun. The beautiful temple of Lord Shiva established between the two hills attracts hundreds of tourists from inside and around Dehradun all round the year. Travellers from and around Uttarakhand pay visit to Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple for its religious significance and adventurers go there to see the water drops dripping on the Shiva ling in Drona cave, which is a spectacular sight. The water that drops down vanishes underground and can be seen few yards away in the form of a stream. In Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, cool sulphur-water springs where devoted pilgrims take bath before entering the temple.

A large festival is held on Shivratri day around the Tapkeshwar temple. People in large numbers participate in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the deity every year. Drona Cave, surrounded by beautiful hills, is usually covered with picnickers from Dehradun and nearby districts.
The temple is situated on the Garhi Cantt Road and is 30.7 km from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 9.7 km from ISBT Dehradun and 7.5 km from Railway Station Deharadun. You can get a taxi at the airport, a city bus or a three wheeler near the ISBT or Railway Station which will take you straight to the temple.