By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-04-16 16:42:15 | Word Count: 673
Deharadun is nestled between the Shivalik mountain ranges. It is called the hill city, the capital of the new Uttranchal State. The city has a pleasant climate. It is the center of many pilgrims.
Dehradun has a very charming geographical location surrounded by the Himalayan ranges. The temperate climate of the city is visited by a number of tourists every year. There are many religious interests that may captivate and rejuvenate one’s body and soul. Below are some of them:
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Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple is a famous cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as Guchhu Pani and is located in the banks of a stream. It was transformed as the busiest pilgrim center among others. The name itself was derived from the dribbling river waters of the cavern’s ceilings. The temple’s cool spring sulphur component has a therapeutic value, making it a dipping spot for pilgrims.
Ram Rai Gurudwara
Ram Rai is a popular pilgrimage center and the oldest Gurudwara for the Sikh religion. It was established by Ram Rai Gurudwara in the early 17th century, with the support of the Dehradun ruler. Legend tells us that the great Sikh Guru Ram Rai was thrown away and settled down in Dehradun Valley.
The gurudwara features a typical Sikh shrine having a holy book Adigarantha at its center. Other things to see are a large dining room with free meals and utility rooms. Most devotees of any sect or religion can offer their prayers here. Admission is free.
A large number of tourists visit the place because of its flag fair every year as well as the marvelous landscape around the center.
Sai Darbar Temple
The temple of Sai Darbar is a hill resort located 8 kilometers from the clock tower of the city’s capital. The temple is open to all kinds of devotees in order to pray at peace. It is one of the well known temples that possess a high spiritual and cultural content.
The temple was built using glittering marble stones with ornamented designs and paintings inside. It is an ideal place for prayer sessions. The temple is continuously maintained by private organizations in Dehradun.
Chandrabani
Chandrabani is a famous temple in Delhi road. It is 7 kms far from Dehradun. The sacred place has a pond called Gautum Kund and a temple. It is believed that Ganga was seen on this spot. Aside from this, Maharshi Gautam together with his wife and daughter Anjani lived at Gautam Kund. A large number of devotees visited Chandrabani to take a dip in the holy waters of Gautam Kund. It is just 2 kilometers away from the main road in Shivalik hill.
Santala Devi Temple
Santala Devi Temple is also one of the famous temples located 15 kms from Dehradun. The temple is dedicated to Santala Devi. Legend says that Santala Devi with his brother had missed to face the Mughals. They abandoned their weapons and pray. Both brothers are turned into stone images. The temple stands as a symbolic meaning of the people’s faith with cultural and religious significance.
Mindrolling Monastery
Mindrolling Monastery is a renowned monastery of the Nyingma sect which means “The Place of Perfect Emancipation”. It was built in 1676 and known as one of India’s largest Buddhist Viharas.
The monastery is dedicated for the learning of Buddhist scriptures, traditional Tibetan medicine, Tibetan lunar calendar, calligraphy and astronomy. History told that the monastery witnessed several attacks and natural calamities. Mindrolling Monastery is an architectural wonder by Khochhen Rinpoche. It continuously trains upcoming monks and yogis in the past 300 years.
Tapovan
Tapovan is a holy place bounded by lush plants and a splendid river. There are beliefs that Dronachrya had undergone penance in this place. Many Sadhus and sages come over because they believe that atoning for their sins is the only way to settle with the Almighty.
Visiting these religious places surrounding Dehradun is a good way to strengthen your beliefs. Most tourists and devotees go on religious tours here for self introspection.
