Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva: Koteshwar Mahadev, Uttrakhand Chandra It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, and is located approximately 3 kilometres from the Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, a little above the Alaknanda River. The location is presumed to be the spot where God Shiva had stopped for meditation on his way to Kedarnath. According to local legends the temple has existed since the time of Bhasmasura. This was the demon who turned to ashes anyone whose head he touched. Shiva went into hiding to escape this threat, resting in various places before coming to the cave at Koteshwar Mahadev. Shiva rested here for some time, meditating, before confronting and defeating the demon. A TO Z INDIA ● FEBRUARY 2022 ● PAGE 30