Jageshwar Dham : 8th Jyotirling midst majestic deodar trees and Jatganga stream.
Jageshwar Dham, situated in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, is a picturesque and serene pilgrimage site that holds great religious and historical significance for Hindus. This is about 35 km from Almora (GPS Location : 29.638, 79.853)
Perched at an elevation of 1870 meters, Jageshwar Dham is considered the 8th among the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. This makes it a revered destination for devotees seeking spiritual solace.
The temple complex is a stunning example of architectural brilliance in Uttarakhand. It consists of 124 temples, both large and small, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples are beautifully adorned and surrounded by rolling green mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop. The melodious sound of the Jata Ganga stream flowing nearby adds to the tranquility of the place.
Some main temples are:
- Jagnath Temple (Jyotirlinga): This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Jyotirlinga form. Jyotirlingas are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
- Mrityunjay Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Mrityunjaya form, symbolizing the conqueror of death.
- Hanuman Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the beloved devotee of Lord Rama.
- Surya Temple: This temple is dedicated to Surya, the Hindu god of the Sun.
- Neelkanth Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is named after his blue throat, which he acquired after consuming poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean.
- Temple Dedicated to the Nine Planets (Navagrahas): This temple is dedicated to the nine celestial bodies in Hindu astrology, representing the nine planets.
- Pushti Mata Temple: This temple is dedicated to Pushti Mata, a form of the Divine Mother and an embodiment of divine grace and nourishment.
- Lakulisa Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lakulisa, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva and a prominent figure in the Pashupata sect of Shaivism.
- Kedarnath Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva .
- Navadurga Temple: This temple is dedicated to the nine forms of the Goddess Durga, representing different aspects of feminine power.
- Batuk Bhairav Temple: This temple is dedicated to Batuk Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva associated with protection and the removal of obstacles.
According to popular belief, the Pandavas, the central characters of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, performed their final rites at Jageshwar Dham before ascending to heaven. The banks of the Jatganga stream are considered a sacred cremation ground, where the last rites of the nearby villagers are conducted.
The history of the Jageshwar group of temples dates back centuries, although the exact construction dates are not known. The Archaeological Survey of India suggests that these temples belong to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval eras, making them approximately 2500 years old. The temples’ architectural grandeur is exemplified by the stone lingams, intricate stone sculptures, and carvings on the altars.
Throughout history, the temples were patronized and renovated by various rulers. The Katyuri King Shalivahandeva played a significant role in their restoration. Inscriptions of Malla Kings can be found on the main temple premises, highlighting their devotion to Jageshwar. Additionally, the Chand dynasty Kings of Kumaon were also known to be patrons of the Jageshwar temple.
Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have visited Jageshwar Dham. It is said that he conducted extensive renovations and re-established several temples before proceeding to Kedarnath, another revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Jageshwar Dham, with its stunning natural surroundings, ancient temples, and rich historical and religious heritage, continues to attract pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and history enthusiasts from all over the world. It remains a place of immense reverence, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with divinity amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas.
