Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple where Lord Shiva is worshiped. It is located approx. 3km away from the city of Rudraprayag, district of Uttarakhand, above the Alaknanda river.
The location is perceived to be the place where Lord Shiva had waited for meditation on his way to the beautiful Kedarnath. According to local Hindu mythology, the temple has been there since the time of Bhasmasura.
Bhasmasura was the demon who used to turn anyone to ashes whose head he touched. Lord Shiva hid and rested at various places to escape from Bhasmasura before coming to the cave at Koteshwar Mahadev.
Shiva waited and rested here and meditated before he confronted Bhasmasura.
Temple is located at an elevation of 1428 mts above sea level. This temple has a significant following among people, especially couples that are deprived of kids. Belief says that childless couples who come here and chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra during Shravana with complete devotion are soon blessed by the Lord with children.
The Koteshwar Mahadev temple is located amongst the hills and surrounded by the Himalayan ranges in the east. In the west, it is backed up by Haridwar in the south by the Siddha PeethMedanpuri Devi temple.
Locals who are old tell a story that a village woman hit a shiv Linga while digging at someplace by mistake. Divine songs and voices were then heard, asking the people to construct a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the place.
Rudraprayag is well connected with the Koteshwar Mahadev temple, and one can conveniently reach it by taxi or by own conveyance.
The nearest airport to reach Koteshwar Mahadev temple is Jolly Grant, Dehradun. The nearest Railway station is located in Dehradun, to reach Koteshwar Mahadev temple Uttarakhand.
Activities one can do here are explore the beautiful village and trekking, picnic, and much more.