Koteshwar Mahadev Temple holds special importance in the religion of Hindus as this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This temple is situated at a distance of about 3 kms from Rudraprayag.
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a holy place and temple of Lord Shiva on the holy bank of river Alaknanda. Koteshwar Mahadev is situated in a cave. This cave is naturally formed. There are small ponds in this cave, it is said that there is always water in these ponds. This cave is also called Koteshwar cave and river Alaknanda flows just a few meters away from this cave.
It is believed that Lord Shiva, on his way to Kedarnath, stayed in this cave to meditate. According to local mythology, this temple has been in existence since the time of Bhasmasura.
According to mythology, when the demon Bhasmasura wanted to kill Lord Shiva by using the power obtained from Mahodav. Lord Shiva moved away from Bhasmasura and met Lord Vishnu in the Koteshwar cave for help. After that Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini and killed the demon Bhasmasura. One such story is related to Shrikhand Mahadev and Kinnar Kailash in Himachal Pradesh.
It is also believed that after the death of Kauravas, when the Pandavas were searching for Lord Shiva to seek the boon of salvation, Shiva stayed in this cave in a meditative state.
In Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, pilgrims come to Koteshwar Mahadev Temple to have darshan and blessings of Lord Shiva. The environment around Koteshwar Temple is peaceful. The sound of the water of the Alaknanda river continues to be heard.