My meditation practices have naturally evolved over the last year to become more devoted to Lord Shiva. As a result, I feel such deep love and devotion to Lord Shiva himself in my heart, and I find myself yearning to visit as many Shiva Temples as possible.

I’m fascinated by how this trip to Rudraprayag came about so unexpectedly. The day before, I decided to budget my money and possibly visit Rudraprayag Temple on my next trip to Rishikesh, and the next day, a friend at the Kriya Yoga Ashram felt compelled to go and invited me to join her. The next day, I was in a taxi heading to the Shiva Temple – thank you, Lord Shiva, for Divine Timing.

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Uttarkhand, near Rudrprayag. On his way to Kedarnath, Lord Shiva stopped in this small cave carved into a mountain to meditate. According to local legend, the temple has been around since the time of Bhasmasura, so many Rishis, Saints, and Sages have probably meditated here.

We went to the water for cleansing and meditation before going to the Shiva Temple in the Cave. We went up to the Temple after one of the kind caretaker Yogis warned us not to sit and meditate there due to the rocks falling from the mountain.

Because I don’t photograph ancient sacred temples, I’ll briefly describe what was inside this small cave. I could comfortably stand inside, but anyone taller than me would need to keep an eye on their head. I took about 8 steps to get to the Pooja ledge, where there was a candle and many smaller Shiva Lingams to the right.

But it was the energetic connection to Lord Shiva that fascinated me the most.

In a trance state, I knelt on my knees, placed my forehead on the edge of the sacred rock, and tuned into the energy. In this higher state of mind, I prayed, begged, and offered Lord Shiva my heartfelt devotion and love. I was overcome with emotion and sobbed as tears streamed down my cheeks. I was overjoyed to be seen and heard by Lord Shiva.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in India.

Many blessings for your journey readers.

Om Namah Shivia