Jageshwar Dham is a Hindu shrine located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, 37 km from Almora. It had situated at an altitude of 1870 meters on the banks of river Jataganga. Jageshwar Dham’s timings are from 4 am to 6 pm.
Jageshwar Dham Overview
Contents
- 1 Jageshwar Dham Overview
- 1.0.1 Jageshwar Dham Construction:
- 1.0.2 What is the History of Jageshwar Dham?
- 1.0.3 Festivals celebrated at Jageshwar Dham:
- 1.0.4 Jageshwar Dham Timings:
- 1.0.5 Best time to travel:
- 1.0.6 Nearby places to visit at Jageshwar Dham:
- 1.0.7 What to do there?
- 1.0.8 Where to stay near Jageshwar Dham?
- 1.0.9 Jageshwar Dham Address & Contact Number:
- 1.0.10 How to reach Jageshwar Dham
- 1.0.11 FAQs:
- 1.1 Why is Jageshwar Dham famous?
- 1.2 Which is the famous Jyotirlingam in Uttarakhand?
- 1.3 Is Jageshwar Dham worth visiting?
- 1.4 How far is Jageshwar Dham from Almora?
The Jageshwar Dham was once the centre of Lakulish Shaivism (Lakulish is the 28th incarnation of Lord Shiva). The origin and history of Lakulish (Shiva with a wooden staff) go back to the present-day Gujarat region of India.
The temple city has a cluster of 124 large and small temples, including Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mrityunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi or Nava Durga, Nava-Grah Temple, many of which are preserved by the Department of Archaeology.
The oldest pyramid shrine and a Surya temple are the Mrityunjaya temple, and the most significant shrine is the Dandeswara temple.
Jageshwar Dham Construction:
There is no exact date of the construction of the Jageshwar Dham group of temples, but according to ASI, they are post-Gupta and pre-medieval. These temples date from the 8th century (Kathuri dynasty) to the 18th century (Chand dynasty).
The Katuri kings also donated villages to the temple priests for their upkeep. The Chand kings of Kumaon are also patrons of the Jageshwara temple. Many Jageshwar temples were built or reconstructed during the Gurjara Pratihara period.
More than 25 inscriptions from different periods had found on the walls and pillars of Jageshwar temples—most of these date from the 7th century to the 10th century AD. The dialect of the inscriptions is Sanskrit and Brahmi.
The temple’s architecture is of the Nagara style, consisting of a tall curved gopuram with an amalaka (capstone) and a Kalash crown. The Jageshwar Pilgrimage had considered as sacred as the famous Char Dham Yatra.
What is the History of Jageshwar Dham?
The main temple in the Jageshwar mandir complex had dedicated to Bal Jageshwar or Child Shiva. It had believed that Lord Shiva came to this place for meditation.
So when the village women came to know about that, they all gathered to catch a glimpse of Shiva, the men were enraged, and Shiva transformed into a child to control the situation.
The temple is on the west side, and the Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple had divided into two parts, the larger one depicting Lord Shiva and the smaller one depicting his consort Parvati.
Festivals celebrated at Jageshwar Dham:
The Jageshwar Monsoon Festival is held in Jageshwar from July 15 to August 15 during the month of Shravan, and the annual Maha Shivratri Mela, held in spring, is an important festival in the Kumaon region.
Jageshwar Dham Timings:
Jageshwar Dham’s timings are from 4 am to 6 pm.
| Day | Timings |
| Monday | 4 am to 6 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 am to 6 pm |
| Wednesday | 4 am to 6 pm |
| Thursday | 4 am to 6 pm |
| Friday | 4 am to 6 pm |
| Saturday | 4 am to 6 pm |
| Sunday | 4 am to 6 pm |
Best time to travel:
The best time to visit Jageshwar is between April to June and September to November. Spring and early monsoon are the most wonderful times to visit, simply because of the beautiful day and night weather, which makes it ideal for sightseeing.
Nearby places to visit at Jageshwar Dham:
Jageshwar Archaeological Museum:
Established by the ASI, this museum has two galleries displaying an excellent collection of ancient statues dating back to the 9th and 13th centuries. If you had interested in ancient history, this trip is worth it.
Among the highlights are a highly detailed depiction of ‘Dancing Ganesha’ and ‘Uma/Maheshwar seated on Nandi’ and some decisive snake action.
Virad Jageshwar:
A 1.5-km uphill trek from Jageshwar leads to the summit of this ancient temple. The place was also dedicated to an old form of Lord Shiva and is the source of the Jata Ganga River.
Sri Mahamrityunjaya Temple:
Lord Shiva had worshipped as the saviour from death in the temple, the most significant and oldest in the complex. It is stone lingam (this one-of-a-kind lingam has an eye-shaped opening.
Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra had believed to purify one from all negativity) is located between the eye screens and is known for its uniqueness.
Jandhi Top:
This place is a hidden gem, especially for mountain and hiking enthusiasts. When you reach the peak, you will have breathtaking views and a feeling of being one with nature. You can camp there or even take a trip.
Kubera Temple:
This group of temples consisted of only three and had situated on a hill. The stone lingam of Lord Shiva had made of natural stone.
Dandeshwar Temple:
This temple is located just above the Jageshwar temple complex. The Dandeshwar temple complex is in ruins, with many artefacts wholly destroyed. The place is 200 meters from the beginning of Jageshwara Temples in Artola village.
What to do there?
Trekking:
The entire temple complex had spread over 3.5 kilometres along Jata Ganga. Trekking or hiking is an ideal way to visit the whole complex on foot while exploring the beautiful riverine forest.
Star Viewing:
Nestled in a valley surrounded by deodar trees, this place provides an ideal backdrop for riverside camping and stargazing. The bright night sky and pollution-free environment offer diverse options to experience the beauty of nature.
Where to stay near Jageshwar Dham?
Jageshwar Tourist Rest House is the best choice to stay while travelling to Jageshwar. It had advantageously located amidst thick trees providing a peaceful environment.
- Jai Bhola Jageshwar Home Stay
- Heritage Inn Jageshwer
- Mystic Mountains Camps | Valley-view Rooms
- The Green Village Eco Resort Jageshwar
- Van Serai
- Durga Guest House Jageshwar
- Jageshwar Jungle Lodge
Jageshwar Dham Address & Contact Number:
- Aartola, Jageshwar Valley, near Almora town, Uttarakhand
- Official Website: Jageshwar Mandir Prabandhan Samiti
- Phone Number: +91-9582603221, 9761578564
- Email: jmps-support@uk.gov.in
How to reach Jageshwar Dham
By Rail:
The nearest railway head is Kathgodam, 125 km away.
By Road:
Jageshwar had connected to all major towns and cities by motorable highways.
By Air:
Pantnagar Airport is 150 km away.
FAQs:
Why is Jageshwar Dham famous?
Jageshwar is famous for its temple complex of 124 large and small stone temples dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries. Culture enthusiasts and historians visit this place to learn more about the ancient shrines and the dynasties that built them.
Which is the famous Jyotirlingam in Uttarakhand?
Kedarnath in Uttarakhand had revered as the northernmost and closest jyotirlinga to Lord Shiva’s eternal abode of Mount Kailash. Kedarnath is a part of Hinduism’s short Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
Is Jageshwar Dham worth visiting?
It has many famous attractions, including Jageshwar Dham, worth visiting.
How far is Jageshwar Dham from Almora?
36 km