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Uttaranchal Jageshwar Temple
Jageshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temples situated in the religious town of Jageshwar located in the district of Almora in Uttaranchal. This stone built temple is entirely dedicated to the Hindu God of destruction, Lord Shiva. The temple is placed at a height of 1870 mts amidst deep deodar forest in the Jata Ganga River Valley. The cluster of deodar trees and the Jata Ganga streaming across the temple largely contributes to the temple's beauty. It is a Hindu belief that Jageshwar is the first site among the Dwadasa Nageshvara Jyotirlingas, the twelve splendid lingas of Shiva set up by Lord Vishnu.
History
As per the study of the ASI this temple mostly belongs to the pre-medieval and post Gupta period ranging from the early Katyuri Dynasty in 8th century to Chand Dynasty in 18th century. According to estimation the temple is around 4500yrs old. The temple had gone through renovation during the rule of Katyuri king Shalivahandev. From the study of the inscriptions found on the temple walls it is known that they mostly belong to a period between 7th AD to 10th AD. There is a belief that Guru Adi Shankaracharya had stepped into this temple. Later, before his journey to Kedarnath he had renovated and reconstructed it.
Discovery Of The Temple
No exact date of the construction of Jageshwar temple is found in history. Yet, it is estimated that the temples are 4500 yrs old. The temple ranges between the time period of 8th century to 18th century. The time of their construction is assumed to be period ranging between the early Katyuri Dynasty to the Chand Dynasty.
How To Reach
By Air
Pantnagar is the nearest airport from Jageshwar. It is located at a distance of 150 kms from the town of Jageshwar. In order to reach Jageshwar from the airport sufficient taxis are available.
By Rail
The nearest railway station from Jageshwar is Kathgodam. It is situated 125 kms away from Jageshwar. Frequent trains are available from Kathgodam at regular intervals.
By Road
Jageshwar is directly connected with Almora and Kathgodams via road links. Government buses run daily on these roads for Jageshwar regularly. Private taxis and jeeps can also be availed to reach Jageshwar.
Important Shrines
The largest and the oldest temple in the Jageshwar temple complex is the Mahamrityunjay Temple. A shivalinga with an eye-shaped opening is the deity worshipped here. Bal Jageshwar dedicated to Child Shiva is the main temple in the Jageshwar Temple premises. Another principal temple of this complex is the Tarun Jageshwar where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Jageshwar or Nagesh. Here, the lingam is separated into two halves. The larger part is depicted as Lord Shiva and the smaller part as Parvati, his consort. On the upper slopes of the hill there is Sri Briddha or Bud Jageshwar dedicated to the Old Shiva. Goddess Devi is worshipped in the Pushti Devi temple located in the temple complex.
Significance Of The Temple
According to the Hindu belief Jageshwar Temple is considered to be the first among the Dwadasa Nageshvara Jyotirlingas set up Vishnu. As such it is believed that the pilgrimage to Jageshwar is as holy as the pious Chardham Yatra. Mythologically, it is also said that when Lord Shiva arrived to meditate in Jageshwar, all the women of the village after knowing this immediately rushed for his darshan leaving their domestic works. The infuriated men of the village came to meet the yogi who had fascinated their wives. Then Shiva acquired the form of a child to save the women. This is why Shiva is still worshipped in this temple in his child form.
Weather And Time To Visit
In the months between April and September the temperature of Jageshwar remains a minimum of around 10-15°C to a maximum of 25-30°C. But by the month of October the temperature gradually starts decreasing. Until the month of March Jageshwar experiences cold and frosty nights along with a little snowfall. The area is prevailed by monsoon during the months of July to September and heavy rainfall occurs during this period. Sometimes due to prolonged rainy period rainfall can be experienced even in the months of April to June.
Accomodation
In Jageshwar not many accommodation options are available. But among the few available accommodations in Jageshwar the best ones are:
Tips For Devotees
Some temples in Jageshwar Temple Complex are on the higher slopes of the hills and require a slight trekking. So, people should be physically fit before coming to visit the temple.
In the winter season sometimes temperature falls suddenly and heavy rain or snow can be experienced. As such the pilgrims should be well prepared with necessary belongings.
While reaching Jageshwar people may face problems with shared taxis as they don't depart until they are full and in case someone gets off in the way it will wait for passengers to get start.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
Lord Shiva is worshipped with a number of pujas and rituals throughout the day. Daily pujas are conducted in a very pious way in all the temples throughout the day according to their own schedule. High purity and sanctity is maintained within the holy temple premises.
Throughout the year a number of festivals are organized in the Jageshwar Temple complex and a huge number of pilgrims gather there on the eve of these festivals.
- The Shivratri festival takes place in the months of March and April
- The temple is lighted with lights and fireworks during the Pooram festival in April and May
- During the harvest festival of Onam, huge number of people gathers there in the months of August and September.
Photo Gallery