Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a centuries old temple of Lord Shiva in Lansdowne which is a cantonment town in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and this ancient Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is the main center of devotion for the local people of Lansdowne as well as the Brave Garhwal Regiment. There are some popular old beliefs and stories in Uttarakhand about why and how this temple was named Kaleshwar Mahadev.
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple and its surrounding area have been famous as a place of meditation for saints and sages. Even today, devotees coming here can see the Samadhi of the sages near Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple.
Significance - Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple |
Shiv is in the form of Shivaling in Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple which is said to be a Swayambhu (born on its own) Shivaling. This temple is a center of faith for the devotees living nearby. In 1901, the first Garhwal Regiment built a small temple and an inn ( a place to stay ) here. In 1926, a huge temple was built here with the cooperation of the people. In 1995, the temple was rebuilt by the Garhwal Regiment. Due to some beliefs associated with the temple, this temple is especially important for those who believe in Shiv.
It is believed that Kaleshwar Mahadev is about 5000 years old temple.
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Stories - Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Many stories related to Kaleshwar Temple are popular in Lansdowne. People believe that sage Kalu had meditated here. Before leaving for his penance, he shouted here for the last time and Lansdowne was earlier called Kaludanda after the name of the same sage Kalu. When the name of Lansdowne was changed from Kaludanda and why it got this new name, you can know about it on the Lansdowne page. Also on this page you can also know about the main tourist places of Lansdowne. (check about Lansdowne Tourist Places )
It is also believed that this temple was named Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple after the name of Rishi Kalash.
Another story related to the temple is very popular. According to this story, once the cows of the shepherds who came from the nearby village came here and reached the Swayambhu Shivalinga and milk statted flowing out of their udders and started flowing on the Shivaling here. Seeing this, people's faith in this Shivaling was established. Later in 1901 a temple was built here.
Timings - Kaleshwar Mahadev Timings
Prayer timings at Kaleshwar Temple are 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. There are some other rituals related to worship in the temple which are quite different from other temples. In this oldest temple of Lansdowne, the worship is not performed by a priest but by a Major of army.
Festivals - Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiv, although it is surrounded by devotees throughout the year, but on the occasion of Mahashivratri dedicated to Lord Shiv and Shivratri which falls in the month of Sawan according to the Hindu calendar, a large number of devotees come here for darshan.
Nearby - Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Kaleshwar Temple is situated in the lap of nature amidst the hills in Lansdowne city. Other main tourist places of Lansdowne are located at a short distance from the temple. Tip and Top Point is the main attraction of Lansdowne. Apart from this, Thandi Road has its own British era history. Darwan Singh Museum and Garhwal Mess are also attractions here.
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Best Time to Visit Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple can be visited anytime throughout the year but the best time to visit here is between October to May. The weather here is quite suitable for tourists during these months. The weather here remains very cold in winter. There is snowfall on the hills during the winter season due to which the temperature here goes down considerably. During the rainy season, due to heavy rains, traveling here becomes a bit difficult as landslides often occur here in such seasons.
How to reach - Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Shiv Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. To reach here one can travel via road, train or flight.
By Road
Road is the best option to reach Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple Lansdowne. This place is located at a distance of about 145 kilometers from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand and about 320 kilometers from Delhi. You can reach here by road, by your own vehicle or by state transport bus.
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By Train
If you are traveling by train then the nearest railway station to Lansdowne is located in Kotdwar. The distance from Kotdwar to this place is about 50 kilometers which can be covered by local taxi or bus.
By Flight
The nearest airport here is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun. After reaching Dehradun by flight, one can travel to Lansdowne by taxi or rented car. This distance can also be covered by state transport bus from Dehradun.