Jageshwar

Template:Infobox Indian urban area Jageshwar (Hindi-जागॆश्वर)is the Himalayan Hindu sacred religious pilgrim place dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the distance of 36 kms northeast from Almora town of Kumaun region of the Uttarakhand state of India and is a cluster of large and small stone temples.Jageshwar was once the centre of Lakula Shaivism Jageshwar is located at the end of lush green valley of Jataganga with enchanting dense sacred forest of Deodar or Cedar (Cedrus deodara) starting from Artola village on Almora–Pithoragarh highway and passses through Daneshwar temple.Two streams Nandini and Surabhi flow down the hills in the valley and meet near the sacred spot. The altitude of this place is 1870 mts.This place is unique in having some very old specimens of Cedrus deodara which gives tranquil and serene atmosphere. Jageshwar is an ancient temple city,having a group of temple with 124 temples some are in the ruin.Majority of temples are in a good preserved state and looked after by archaeological survey of India.Some consider it is the place of Nagesh, 8th among the Dwadas Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva established by Lord Vishnu-

सॆतुबंधॆ तु रामॆशं नागॆशं दारूकावनॆ

Fairs takes place at Jageshwar during the Hindu Shravan month of July and August and during Shivratri festival.

History

The ancient treatise Prasadmandanam describe this place as an abode of Lord Shiva.There is no definite proof of their construction but these belong to post-Gupta and pre-medieval period and about 2500 yrs old.The temple range in age from 8th century (early Katyuri Dynasty to 18th cetury (Chand Dynasty).These temples were renovated during the reign of Katyuri King Shalivahandev. There is an inscription of Malla Kings on the temple premisces indicating their devotion with Jageshwar.Katyuri Kings also donated some villages to the temple for it’s maintenance.Chand Kings of Kumaun were the great devotee and patron of Jageshwar temple.Adi shankaracharya visited this place and renovated many temples.Jageshwar had been the cremation ground of Chand Kings.Many of their queens used to become Sati with them.The temples belong to the simple Nagara style which has tall curvilinear spire sikhara surmounted by an amalaka (capstone) and a kalasha crown the square sanctum sanctorum, entrance to which is through a carved doorway. Most of the temples enshrine a stone lingam. Impressive stone images are seen around the altar.The pilgrimage to Jageshwar was as sacred as Badrinath and Kedarnath.Pilgrims used to visit Jageshwar during their pilgrimage to Kailash and Mansarovar.Due to the restrictions on pilgrimage to Kailash and Mansarovar pilgrimage in the past,pilgrims were diverted towards Kedarnath.

Vinayak Kshetra

This place is 200 mts from Artola village from where temples of Jageshwar starts.It is called Mokshyadham temple.From this place Vinayak Kshetra or sacred area begins.This place lies between Jhanker Saim temple,Vrudhh jageshwar and Koteshwar temples.

Jageshwar Mahadev

This is one of the principal temple situated in the temple premisces it is called Tarun Jageshwar.Temple has two dwarapalas (door guardians) in the form of Nandi and Skandi adorned with all the armaments.This is west facing temple of Lord Shiva.Shiva is worshipped in the form of Nagesh/Yageshwar/Jageshwar.In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple the Shivlinga is divided into two parts.The larger one depicts Shiva and smaller one his consort Parvati.An Akhand Jyoti that is an immortal flame keeps on flickering here since time immemorial.There are two Asthadhatu statues of Chanda king Deepchand and Tripalchand in the standing posture behind the Shivlinga.

Sri Mahamritunjay Mahadev

This is the biggest temple situated in the temple premisces.This temple of Shiva is eastern facing and big Linga is worshipped as the saviour from death-महामृत्युंजय.This unique linga has an eye shaped opening.This is the oldest temple in the premisce.

Dandeeshwar Shiv Temple Complex

It is very old among Jageshwar group of temples and is in a dilapidated condition.This group of templesis situated a few kms from Jageshwar.

Jhanker Saim Mahadev

This temple is situated south of Jageshwar.Legend has it that during the Tapasya by Lord Shiva, Demons obstruct His penance.Then God Jhanker Saim come into being as Trinetra and send His Ganas to kill the demons.

Sri Briddha or Bud Jageshwar

This temple is situated three kms north to Jageshwar.This temple is situated at the top of the hill and comes after a uphill trek.It is contemporary to Jageshwar group of temples.

Pushti Devi

It is the temple of Godess Devi.This temple is situated in the Jageshwar main premisce.

Archaeological Museum

This museum houses idols and statuettes removed from Jageshwar shrine dating far back as 10th century.

Inscriptions

There are 25 inscriptions of different periods are present at Jageshwar,inscribed on the walls and pillars.These belongs to 7th century AD to 10th cetury AD.The dialect of inscriptions is Sanskrit and Brahmi.These are studied by D.C. Sarkar in Epigraphica indica.

Other Places of Interest

Jata Ganga,Airavat Gufa,Home Kund,Brahma Kund,Sri Kuber Temple,Batuk Bhairav Temple.

Nearby Places

1.Uttari Vrindavan established at Panuanaula by Mai Chakravorty and Saint Krishna Prem Bairagi(Mr. Nixon). 2.The temple of Golu Devata at Chitai.

References

1.History of Kumaun by B D Pandey.