Rudraprayag Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Uttarakhand

Address

Rudraprayag Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Koteshwar Chopda Road, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand 246171

Deity

Koteshwar Mahadev

Introduction

• The Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near Rudraprayag Town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.
• Renowned as one of the significant Shiva temples in Uttarakhand, it is uniquely nestled within a cave and attracts a considerable number of devotees annually.
• The temple is notable for the belief that the idols worshipped here were naturally formed during Lord Shiva’s meditation at this site.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Bhasmasura:
  • Bhasmasura, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, performed intense penance to obtain a boon, which allowed him to burn anyone to ashes by touching their head.
  • To test his power, Bhasmasura attempted to touch Lord Shiva, who fled and sought refuge in Koteshwar before heading to Kedarnath.
  • To combat Bhasmasura, the Devas and sages enlisted the help of Lord Vishnu, who appeared as Mohini.
  • Bhasmasura fell in love with Mohini and was tricked into touching his own head during a dance, leading to his demise.
• Kurukshetra War:
  • After the Pandavas defeated the Kauravas, a celestial voice advised them to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva.
  • As Lord Shiva began moving towards Kedarnath, the nearby demons pleaded with him to stay.
  • Though he continued his journey, he granted the demons a boon that all who visited the cave would have their wishes fulfilled.

Beliefs

• The Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be particularly auspicious for granting boons to childless couples.

Special Features

• Location: The cave temple is situated alongside the Alaknanda River.
• Idols: It houses idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Hanuman, Ganesha, and Durga, all of which are believed to have naturally formed.
• Unique Rituals: Water droplets from the cave’s ceiling fall onto the Lingam, symbolizing Lord Shiva.
• Unlike many other temples, the idols in Koteshwar Mahadev Temple are not regularly or annually displayed. They are only brought out in a grand procession every four years.

Festivals

• Mahashivaratri is one of the most significant festivals celebrated at the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)- Uttarakhand

Nearest Bus Station

Rudraprayag

Nearest Railway Station

Rishikesh Station

Nearest Airport

Dehradun

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