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

Hidden deep within the deodar forests of Kumaon, Jageshwar Dham is one of the most spiritually powerful and architecturally rich temple complexes in India. Located on the banks of the sacred Jata Ganga, at an altitude of 1,870 meters, this ancient site is home to 124 stone temples dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva.

According to the Skandha Purana and Linga Purana, Jageshwar is believed to be the place where Shiva worship first manifested, and many devotees regard it as the 8th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.

Jageshwar Temple History

The jageshwar temple history spans over a thousand years. Most temples were constructed between the 7th and 14th centuries, during the reign of the Katyuri dynasty and later rulers of Kumaon.

It is widely believed that Adi Shankaracharya visited Jageshwar Dham during his Himalayan journey. He is said to have:

• Renovated and re-established several temples

• Revived Shaivite worship

• Continued onward to Kedarnath after his stay

Inside the Jageshwar Jyotirlinga temple, devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together, symbolizing divine balance and grace.

Jageshwar Temples Complex: Valley of Gods

Often called the “Valley of Gods”, Uttarakhand Jageshwar Dham is one of the largest temple clusters in the world within a single complex.

Key Facts:

• Total temples: 124–125

• Sculptures: 174 stone idols

• Primary deity: Lord Jageshwar (Shiva)

• Protected site: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

The stone architecture, carved pillars, and ancient lingas reflect early Nagara-style temple design.

Important Temples in Jageshwar Dham

Some of the most revered temples include:

• Jagnath Jyotirlinga (Main Temple)

• Mrityunjaya Temple

• Neelkanth Temple

• Surya Temple

• Navagraha Temple

• Kedarnath Temple

• Lakulisa Temple

• Pushti Mata Temple

• Navadurga Temple

• Batuk Bhairav Temple

• Hanuman Temple

Together, they form a complete Shaivite pilgrimage circuit.

Ritual Order of Worship (Parikrama Vidhi)

Pilgrims traditionally follow a sacred order:

1. Ritual bath at Brahma Kund

2. Main Jyotirlinga darshan

3. Neelkanth & Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Temple

4. Surya Temple

5. Navagraha Temple

6. Pushti Mata Temple

7. Mrityunjaya Temple

8. Hawan Kund

9. Lakulisha Temple

10. Kedarnath Temple

11. Navadurga Temple

12. Return to Jyotirlinga

13. Batuk Bhairav & Kuber Temple

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ASI Museum at Jageshwar Temples

The Archaeological Survey of India maintains a museum near the complex.

Museum Highlights:

• Uma–Maheshwar sculpture with flying celestials

• Surya (Sun God) idol holding lotuses

• 4-foot bronze statue of Pona Raja, a local ruler

• Rare temple fragments & inscriptions

This museum helps visitors understand the art, history, and symbolism of Jageshwar.

Where Is Jageshwar Dham Located?

📍 Location: Almora District, Uttarakhand
🌲 Surrounded by deodar forests and Himalayan silence

Jageshwar Temple Location Distances

• Almora to Jageshwar Dham distance: 35 km

• Nainital to Jageshwar Dham distance: 101 km

• Kathgodam to Jageshwar Dham distance: 125 km

• Haldwani to Jageshwar Dham: 130 km

• Delhi to Jageshwar Dham distance: 402 km

• Bareilly to Jageshwar Dham distance: ~310 km

• Pithoragarh to Jageshwar Dham: 88 km

🚌 One direct KMOU bus runs daily from Haldwani to Jageshwar at 7:00 AM.

Nearest Transport Hubs

• 🚉 Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam / Haldwani

• ✈️ Nearest Airport: Pantnagar / Pithoragarh

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

Jageshwar Dham Weather & Temperature

Jageshwar Dham Uttarakhand Temperature

• Summer (Apr–Jun): 20°C – 35°C

• Shravan Month (Jul–Aug): 20°C – 35°C (highly auspicious)

• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 15°C – 25°C

• Winter (Dec–Mar): -5°C to 18°C (snowfall possible)

👉 If you enjoy snow, December–February is ideal.

Best Time to Visit Jageshwar Temples

• ✅ April to June – pleasant & accessible

• ✅ July–August – Shravan Maah (Shiva devotees)

• ✅ September to November – calm & scenic

• ❄️ Winter – for snow lovers & solitude seekers

Jageshwar Dham is open all year round.

Is Jageshwar Dham a Jyotirlinga?

✅ Yes.
Ancient scriptures and local Shaivite tradition consider Jageshwar Dham a Jyotirlinga, making it one of the most sacred Shiva sites in Uttarakhand.

Nearby Places to Visit from Jageshwar Temple

• Dandeshwar Mahadev

• Pandukeshwar Temple (5 km)

• Kasar Devi Temple

• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Almora town

Guided Tours & Sacred Treks (Chakra Walks)

Half-Day Tours (2–4 hrs)

• Muladhara Tour: Jageshwar → Koteshwar (3 km)

• Svadhisthana Tour: Jageshwar → Dandeshwar (2 km)

• Manipura Tour: Jageshwar → Mantola (2 km)

Full-Day Trek

• Anahata Tour: Jageshwar → Hariya Top (7 km)

These walks are designed to awaken the Seven Chakras through nature, silence, and sacred geography.

Conclusion

Jageshwar Mahadev is not just a temple—it is a living spiritual landscape. With its 124 ancient shrines, sacred river, ASI-protected heritage, and Himalayan serenity, Jageshwar Dham stands as one of the most powerful Shaivite destinations in India.

Whether you seek devotion, history, meditation, or nature—Jageshwar Temples in Uttarakhand offer all four, in perfect harmony.

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