Koteshwar Mahadev
| Koteshwar Mahadev | |
|---|---|
  Location in Uttarakhand | |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 30°17′N 78°59′E / 30.28°N 78.98°E |
| Country | India |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| District | Rudraprayag |
| Locale | Koteshwar |
| Elevation | 885 m (2,904 ft) |
| Culture | |
| Sanctum | Lord Shiva |
| Major festivals | Mahashivratri |
| Architecture | |
| Architecture | Cave (self Developed) |
| History | |
| Date built | Unknown |
| Creator | Unknown |
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple (Devanagari: कोटेश्वर महादेव) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is located about three km inside the ‘heart’ of Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.[1] [2]
Legends
This place is presumed to be the same spot where Lord Shiva had stopped for meditation on his way to Kedarnath. According to a local mythology this temple has its presence since the time of bhasmasur (the deadly Asur/Demon who got a boon/vardan from Lord Shiva that whoso ever's head will be touched by him, will be turned into bhasma or ashes. Seeing the powerful effects of this boon he tried to bhasm Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva kept on hiding from place to place and finally came to this place which was a cave, Lord Shiva resided here for some time meditating Lord Vishnu and finally Lord Vishnu helped him by taking Mohini avtar and tricking Bhasmasur to place his hand on his own head due to which Bhasmasur turned into ashes. Thus Vishnu killed the demon. Similar kind of legend is associated with "Shrikhand Mahadev" and Kinner Kailash in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is filled with amazing energy/aura and one can feel it. Drops of water seeping through the cave drop on the Lingam. Just a few meters below, lies the Alaknanda river.
Social Work and Hospitals
A 60-bed hospital having state of art modern facilities exists here to serve the local population. This hospital is managed by Jyotishpeethadheeshwar Jagatguru Shankracharya Swamy Madhavashram Charitable Trust.[3] [4]
References
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