Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a sacred river cavern shrine situated along the tranquil emerald banks of the Alaknanda River, just 3 km upstream from the Rudraprayag confluence. Legend recalls that Lord Shiva meditated inside this deep natural cavern on his flight to Kedarnath while pursued by the demon Bhasmasura, prior to Lord Vishnu assuming the Mohini avatar to trick the demon. The cave walls feature hundreds of naturally formed limestone stalactite lingams and water drips.
Sacred Overview & Architectural Heritage
Essential Pilgrim Facts & Logistics
Verified Data
District
Rudraprayag
Circuit / Cluster
Shiva Shrines of Uttarakhand
Primary Deity
Lord Shiva
Altitude
640 m
(2,100 ft)
Trek & Roadhead
0.2 km trek from Rudraprayag Town (3 km from main sangam)
Recommended Season
Year-round; heavy pilgrim footfalls during Maha Shivratri
Pilgrimage Schedule
Opens: Open year-round (05:30 AM - 08:00 PM) | Closes: Open year-round
Winter Worship Seat (Gaddi Sthal)
Same sanctum
Priesthood Lineage
Garhwali Goswami Brahmins
OpenStreetMap Route & Pilgrimage Access Map
Live spatial coordinates and transit route from the most searched transit hub to Koteshwar Mahadev Temple.
Est. Road Distance
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Est. Mountain Drive
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On-Foot Trek
0.2 km from Rudraprayag Town (3 km from main sangam)
Route via Rishikesh: Main pilgrimage base with extensive taxi union, bus depot & rail connectivity.
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