Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has many temples in the name of revered gods and goddesses. Moreover, many important Shaivites and Shaktipeeths are established here.
Ekeshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the important Shaktipeeths of Kedar Dham. This temple is one of the five major Shaivites. This temple is located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from a place called Satpuli in Ekeshwar of Kotdwar. Thus, the place is called Ekeshwar. From here, about 100 meters of cement-concrete staircase leads to the temple. Surrounded by chir, oak, and deodar trees, this temple further enhances the natural beauty of this place.
According to the available details about the greatness of this place in mythological references, the Pandavas did penance to Lord Shiva at this place during the Mahabharata period. However, Shankaracharya is associated with the establishment of this temple.
The construction style of that temple is very ancient. The remains of ancient idols placed around the temple complex give a feel of its antiquity. Swayambhu Shivling is seated in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ekeshwar Mahadev temple. The Vaishnava Devi cave is situated to the north of the temple, and the temple of Bhairavnath is situated just behind the cave. It is said that there is a tunnel route from inside the Bhairavnath temple to the Badrinath temple, which has now been closed.
Many mythological and historical temples of Uttarakhand describe secret underground tunnels that were often used in ancient times to travel from one place to another or to stay safe during invasions. However, now most of the tunnels have been closed for security reasons.
The festival of Shivratri is celebrated with great pomp in the Ekeshwar Mahadev temple Uttarakhand. On the occasion of Shivratri, an enormous crowd of devotees gathers to worship the Lord. On the day of Shivratri, devotees come from far and wide to make offerings here. Devotees offer Gangajal, Belpatra, to Lord Shiva as an offering and also anoint the Shivling with pure cow’s milk.