Prakasheshwar Mahadev Temple

A Shiva temple on the hillside where the road starts climbing towards Mussoorie, known across the valley for what it will not do: it accepts no donations. Notices ask politely that no money and no offerings be left, which is rare enough that people drive up simply to see it. Inside stands a prized sphatik shivling, carved from rock crystal, and a bhandara (a free communal meal) serves prasad daily to whoever arrives. Shoes off at the door. Shivratri and the month of Sawan bring the crowds; the rest of the year it is a natural halt on the way uphill.

The temple that refuses donations and feeds everyone who comes, free of charge