Discover Jageshwar Temples in Uttarakhand: A Group of 124 Shiva Temples

Jageshwar Temples are nestled beside the serene Jata Ganga river, sitting high up at 1870 meters above sea level. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by 124 smaller ancient temples, each devoted to different gods. According to the Skandha Purana and Linga Purana, it is believed that the worship of Lord Shiva began here in Jageshwar, and that the 8th Shiva Jyotirlinga originated at this very place.

Jageshwar Temples History

There is also a belief that Adi Shankaracharya, the great spiritual leader, visited Jageshwar Dham long ago. During his visit, he renovated and re-established many of the temples before continuing his journey to Kedarnath Dham.

In the Jageshwar Jyotirlinga temple, you can find both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, standing together, as they bless everyone who comes to visit.

Jageshwar Temples Complex

Jageshwar Dham is one of the largest collections of temples found within a single complex in the world. With over 125 big and small temples, it stands as a remarkable site of devotion. The complex is named after its main deity, Jageshwar, a form of Lord Shiva.

Where is Jageshwar Dham

Located in the Almora District of Uttarakhand, India, Jageshwar Dham is accessible by road from Haldwani, which is about 170 kilometers away. Haldwani is well connected to New Delhi and Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, by both train and road. Pilgrims typically reach Haldwani first and then travel by road to Almora, a journey that takes around six hours.

Museum: Jageshwar Temples

Near the temple, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has established a museum. Inside, visitors can admire the image of Uma-Maheshwar with flying celestials, as well as a beautiful sculpture of Surya, the Sun God, holding lotus flowers in both hands. The museum’s first gallery houses a four-foot-high bronze statue of Pona Raja, a local ruler.

Jageshwar Temples Temples in  Jageshwar

The Jageshwar Dham complex includes about 125 temples and 174 sculptures, including intricately adorned stone idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some of the notable temples are:

• Main Temple (Jagnath Jyotirlinga)
• Mrityunjaya Temple
• Hanuman Temple
• Surya Temple
• Neelkanth Temple
• Navagraha Temple (Dedicated to the nine planets)
• Pushti Mata Temple
• Lakulisa Temple
• Kedarnath Temple
• Navadurga Temple
• Batuk Bhairav Temple

 Gods: Jageshwar Temples Uttarakhand

Traditionally, pilgrims worship the gods in the Jageshwar Dham temples in a specific order. After taking a ritual bath at the Brahm Kund near the temple, pilgrims first visit the main Jyotirlingam, followed by the Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Neelkanth Temple, Surya Temple, Navagraha Temple, Pushti Mata Temple, Mrityunjaya Temple, Hawan Kunda, Lakulisha Temple, Tarkeshwar Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Navadurga Temple.

Pilgrims then return to the Jyotirlingam before visiting the Batuk Bhairav Temple and Kuber Temple, which is near the Brahma Kund.

Booking Office: Jageshwar Temples

Pilgrims are encouraged to visit the booking office within the temple complex for additional details. Here, they can pay for pujas and other rituals and purchase books and publications that describe the rich history and traditions of Jageshwar Dham.

Temples Nearby Jageshwar Dham

After visiting Jageshwar Dham, pilgrims are also encouraged to visit the Pandukeshwar Temple, located about 5 kilometers away on the same route from Almora. This temple is believed to have been constructed around the same time as the Jageshwar Dham temple.

Suggested Read: Pithoragarh To Mansarovar: All about the new route

Jageshwar Jyotirlinga

Jageshwar Dham is a famous temple known as one of the Jyotirlingas, which are special places where Lord Shiva is worshiped. In old scriptures, it’s considered one of the twelve original Jyotirlingams.

People also call it the “Valley of Gods.” The temple was built a long time ago, between the 7th and 14th centuries, and the first one was believed to be made by Adi Shankaracharya. Pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar used to stop here to pray to Lord Shiva for blessings.

This place was also important for a group called Lakulisha Shaivism, who worshiped Lord Shiva. Saint Lakulisha, whose name means “club-bearing Lord,” was a wandering holy man who helped bring together different groups of Shiva worshippers. Later, people believed he was the last of Lord Shiva’s twenty-eight incarnations, as mentioned in the Puranas.

Jageshwar Dham

Today, Jageshwar Dham is a Heritage Site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) because of its historical and spiritual importance.

Jageshwar Dham is open all year round, allowing devotees to visit and worship any day of the year. Whether you’re planning a trip in summer, winter, or even during the monsoon, Jageshwar Dham welcomes visitors in every season. If you enjoy snowfall, the best time to experience it is between December and February.

Best Time to Visit Jageshwar Temples

• April to June (Summer Season): The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 35°C to a minimum of 20°C.
• July to August (Shrawan Maah): This is a special time for Lord Shiva worship, with temperatures also between 35°C (max) and 20°C (min).
• September to November: The weather cools down, making it comfortable for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (max) to 15°C (min).
• December to March (Winter Season): This is the coldest time of the year, with temperatures dropping to as low as -5°C, and a maximum of 18°C.

Distance Chart: Jageshwar Temples

• Delhi to Jageshwar Temple – 402 kms
• Almora to Jageshwar Temple – 35 kms ( Jageshwar temple near Almora )
• Pithoragarh to Jageshwar Dham – 88 kms
• Haldwani to Jageshwar  Dham – 130 kms
• Kathgodam to Jageshwar Dham  – 125 kms
• Nainital to Jageshwar Dham – 101 kms
• Pantnagar to Jageshwar Temple – 155 kms
• Dehradun to Jageshwar Temples- 470 kms
• Haridwar to Jageshwar Temple- 415 kms

Nearest Railway Station – Kathgodam and Haldwani

Nearest Airport– Pantnagar and Pithoragarh

Regular Bus Services are there from Haldwani to Almora, Pithoragarh and one Direct KMOU Bus from Haldwani to Jageshwar at 7:00am on daily bases.

Tours & Treks with Guides at Jageshwar Temples

Exploring the trails around Jageshwar is a serene and meditative experience that helps awaken the energy centers within us. These walks and treks are divided into two main categories based on their duration:

Half-Day Tours (HDT):

• • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Perfect for a brief yet enriching experience.
  • Guided tours are available with trained experts.

Full-Day Treks:

• • Ideal for those who wish to deeply explore and connect with the sacred region.
  • Guided by trained professionals for a comprehensive experience.

These tours are designed around the concept of the Seven Chakras, aiming to help participants realize their potential. The specific tours are:

MULADHARA TOUR:

• • Route: Jageshwar to Koteshwar
  • Distance: 3 km (HDT)

SVADHISHTHANA TOUR:

• • Route: Jageshwar to Dandeshwar
  • Distance: 2 km (HDT)

MANIPURA TOUR:

• • Route: Jageshwar to Mantola
  • Distance: 2 km (HDT)

ANAHATA TOUR:

• • Route: Jageshwar to Hariya Top
  • Distance: 7 km

FAQ

• Is Jageshwar Dham a Jyotirlinga ( is Jageshwar Dham a jyotirlinga ):  Yes it is Jyortirlinga