Jageshwar Mandir Prabandhan Samiti (Trust),Almora

About Temple

Jageshwar Temple History :
Jageshwar Dham is known as one of Jyotirlinga (Astham Jyotirlingas - Nagesham Darukavane). In many traditional scriptures, it is revered as one of twelve original Jyotirlingams. It is also known as Valley of Gods & dates back from 7th to 14th centuries in it's different forms of reconstruction. The original temple is believed to be constructed by Adi Shankaracharya. It was customary for pilgrims on way to Kailash Mansarovar route to stop and worship Lord Shiva here and seek his blessings.

This area was also centre of Lakulisha Shaivism, a revivalist sect worshipping Lord Shiva. Saint Lakulisha, name literally meaning, club-bearing Lord, was a wandering ascetic who is considered to have united different sects and revived worship of Lord Pashupati. This faith later flourished under Bharashiva and Vakataka dynasties of southern and central India. Piligrims who came after Saint Lakulisha considered Lakulisha as the last of twenty-eight incarnations of Lord Shiva, as mentioned in the Puranas.

It is considered as a Heritage Site under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Temple Complex :
Jageshwar Dham is one of the biggest group of temples located in a single complex in the world. It has more than 125 big and small temples within its complex. The temple complex is named after the presiding deity Jageshwar, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Temple Location :
The Jageshwar Dham is located in Almorah District of Uttarakhand State in India and is accessible by road from Haldwani, at a distance of around 170 Km. Haldwani is well connected by Train and Road to New Delhi and Dehradun, the Capital of Uttarakhand State. So, Pilgrims can first reach Haldwani and then travel to Almorah by Road, which takes typically 6 Hours.

Museum :
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have setup a Museum near the temple. The image of Uma-Maheshwar has flying celestials while one can also see a beautiful sculpture of a fully ornamented Surya holding lotus in both hands. The first of the two galleries of the museum has a four feet high bronze statue of Pona Raja, a local ruler.

Temples in the Jageshwar Dham complex :
There are around 125 temples inside the complex and 174 sculptures including stone idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati adorned intricately with jewels. It includes the Main Temple Jagnath (Jyotirlinga), Mrityunjay Temple, Hanuman Temple, Surya Temple , Neelkanth Temple, Temple Dedicated to the nine planets (Navagrahas), Pushti Mata Temple, Lakulisa Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Navadurga Temple, Batuk Bhairav Temple and many more.

Worshipping the Gods :
As per tradition, Pilgrims need to worship the Gods in the temples inside Jageshwar Dham complex in a particular order. After having a Snana or ritual bath at Brahm Kund near the Temple, Pilgrim should first visit the main Jyotirlingam, followed by Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Neelkanth Temple, Surya Temple, Navgraha Temple, Pushti Mata Temple (Shakti Peeth as per Devi Bhagwat at 83 nos), Mrityunjaya Temple, Hawan Kunda, Lakulisha Temple, Tarkeshwar Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Navdurga Temple. After this, Pilgrim comes back again to Jyotirlingam, then Batuk Bhairav Temple and Kuber Temple that stands near the Brahma Kund.

Booking Office :
Pilgrims are requested to visit the Booking office at Temple complex to get other details of temple. Pilgrims can do Puja etc by paying the required amount at Counter in office and can also buy Books and publications which describe rich history and tradition of Jageshwar Dham temple.

Temples Near by Jagehswhar Dham :
Piligrims after visiting Jageshwar Dham are also requested to visit Pandukeshwar Temple, at a distance of 5 Km and in the same route from Almora. This temple is believed to have been constructed in same time period as Jageshwar Dham temple.

Temple Location

Jageshwar Dham (in the Lap of Himalaya) is located 36 kilometres (22 mi) northeast of Almora Barechina Road, in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. The temples site is on the south of the road, across which is an eponymous village at an altitude of 1870 mts, in the Jataganga river valley near a Deodar forest.

Temple History

The origins of the Jageshwar temples site are unclear. It is beleived that Adi Sankaracharya visited Jageshwar Dham and renovated, re established many temples before leaving for Kedarnath Dham. The site shows evidence of different architectural, which range from 7th-14th century.

Temple Services

The Jageshwar group of temples are similar to some large historic cluster of Hindu temples found on the Indian subcontinent. For example, a similar cluster is seen near Bhubhaneswar, Odisha at the Lingaraja group of temples. Its remote location has limited its studies and scholarly attention.

About Jageshwar Mandir Samiti

Jageshwar Temples, also referred as Jageshwar Valley Temples, are a group of 125 Hindu temples dated between 7th and 14th century near Almora, in the Himalayan in the state of Uttarakhand. These are managed and governed by Shri Jageshwar Mandir Prabandhan Samiti, a trust since 16th June, 2014.

Main aims and objectives of the trust

The management, administration and governance of Shri Jageshwar Mandir and its group temples and its endowments including the lands and building attached, or appurtenant to the mandir/s for the benefit of the public in large.
Providing for grants, scholarships, fellowships and other forms of financial assistance to the needy and deserving students for pursuing education, vocational training, skill development etc. Read more

Gazette of Jageshwar Mandir Samiti

Services

Shiv Dham Maha Aarti

The Museum

Yoga

Online Shiva Prasad

Attractions Nearby Jageshwar Dhaam

There are many tourist spots in Jageshwar where travellers can spent their leisure time. Here you will find list of all the Jageshwar sightseeing options which you must visit and plan your itinerary accordingly. Explore the hidden gems of Jageshwar through this well-researched list, learn about the most happening places, things to do, famous picnic spots for a memorable vacation in Jageshwar.Read more