Jageshwar Group of Temples,
Uttarakhand
Jageshwar
Group of Temples, also referred as Jageshwar valley temples, are a group of over 100 Hindu
temples dated between 7th and 12th century near Almora,
in the Himalayan Indian state of Uttarakhand. Jageshwar
Group of Temples mainly consists of three clusters namely; Dandeshwar Cluster, Jageshwar
Cluster and Kuber Cluster. Most of the temples follow North Indian Nagara style
of architecture with a few exceptions show South and Central Indian style
designs.
Most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, while
others in immediate vicinity are dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
Shakti goddesses
and Surya traditions
of Hinduism.
The temples are situated at an altitude of 1,870 m, in the Jataganga river
valley near a Deodar forest (Cedrus
deodara). The temple clusters begin starting
from satellite road branching off east from the Artola village on the Almora–Pithoragarh highway, at the confluence (Sangam) of
two streams Nandini and Surabhi after they flow down the hills in the narrow
valley.
The site
is about 3.5 kilometres long along the Jataganga rivulet, is a narrow-forested valley
of oaks, deodara,
rhododendrons and pines. It is said that Jageshwar used to fall on the
ancient pilgrim route to Kailash Man Sarovar. It also finds mentions in the travelogues
of Huan Tsang. Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town and one of the Dhams
(pilgrimage region) in the Shaivism tradition. The site is protected under
Indian laws, and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple Complex
For brief details, please refer below link;
Festivals
Jageshwar Monsoon Festival during the Hindu
calendar month of Shravan
(overlaps with July-August) and the annual Maha Shivrathri Mela
(Shivrathri festival), which takes place in early spring are the most famous
festivals celebrated in this Temple complex.
Religious Significance
The Jageshwar temple site attracts a few hundred
pilgrims and visitors every day. It remains a part of the Hindu sacred
geography, particularly for the central Himalayan region. Many complete a part
of the post-cremation last rites after the death of a loved one at the
Jageshwar temple site. The temples are particularly popular in the late monsoon
season. In other months, pilgrims typically combine their pilgrimage to
Jageshwar Temples with those at Lake Mansarovar or Badrinath and Kedarnath, or
other places in the Himalayas such as Gangotri. The site remains popular with
Hindu monks and they continue to protect the site's sacredness.
Useful Information
1. Tourists / Pilgrims require minimum 6 hours to see
all the temple clusters, eco-park and the museum. One must stay here for a day
if they want to perform Puja or attend evening Arti.
2. Rates for Poojas and various rituals are fixed and a
board outside the temple complex clearly tells the rates.
3. There is a KMVN Rest house, located right next to the
temple. Other hotels and resorts are situated at some distance.
4. Tourists / Pilgrims find food in the few shops around
the temple. Most of these shops close by 8:00 PM.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location
