Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Uttarakhand

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. While the temple itself is inside a cave, the surroundings offer mind-blowing visuals of nature. The cave is on the banks of the River Alaknanda. Koteshwar is believed to be one of the many avatars of Lord Shiva.

According to legend, when the Kauravas were vanquished by the Pandavas during the epic war of Kurukshetra war, a heavenly voice recommended that the Pandavas pray to the Lord Shiva for salvation and penance for the killings. Shiva was not ready to forgive them easily and hence, moved from the cave towards Kedarnath.

At that time, the demons residing close to the cave requested Lord not to leave but Lord Shiva was not willing to stay to grant salvation to Pandavas Finally He granted the demons a boon that the wishes of anyone who visits the cave will be fulfilled. The most unique aspect of this cave temple is that it has many idols and it is believed that they are all formed naturally. The idols here, apart from that of Lord Shiva, also include that of Parvati, Hanuman, Ganesha and Durga.