The Neelkanth’s heavenly abode held its doors opened, as pilgrims and tourists flocked inside to bow their heads in devotion. The mystic of the temples had captured the attention of everybody inside the sanctum of these wondrous temples. It was as if God himself descends every day inside the temple to bless its devotees.
The Jageshwar Dham is one of the holiest and most magical of temple towns in the whole of India. Located in the picturesque forests of Uttaranchal, the allure of this awe-inspiring temple is heightened by the charm of the woods it is nestled in.
This quaint town is wholly dedicated to temples that worship Lord Shiva. The town is located a little further away from Almora, and as you slowly make sure way to the town of Jageshwar, you find the tall trees getting denser and the air getting thicker with the aroma of the Deodar Trees.
From the moment you step foot into the town, you will feel the humbling spirituality washing all over your face. The entire energy is of a different kind.
The temple complex is a little further into the town, and soon you will find yourself into the wonderful woods, as the stone temples stare right back at you. It is said that there are about 130 temples in the town, and as you make your way forward you will be flabbergasted to see the beauty that these ancient rustic temples have given to the town.
Jageshwar Dham
You are bound to start off your journey at the main temple complex. It is not difficult to spot this place. Just look out for a tall stone wall, or ask any of the locals, they will be happy to point you to the wonderful Jageshwar Dham.
What you see next is something no one can proper you for. The moment you entire to complex, you will find yourself looking at about 124 big and small temples, all there together in the same place. You will find yourself captivated by all of these little temples with their spires, as they have a strange magnetic pull. It will be hard for you to take your eyes off these temples.
The Architecture
It is a pure joyous affair for proper interested in architecture. These temples are a great study of the architecture of those times.
The temples are built in the Nagara Style and have an iconic spire or shikhara. The architecture speaks volumes of the kind of influence this town had, and how that influence has been imbued into the making of these temples.
You will find a wooden roof built on top of the bigger temples- this is something that very unique to the region. These temples have been mentioned in several travelogues of people who visited it during the 7th to 8th Centuries.
Shiva Temples of Jageshwar Dham
The temples in Jageshwar Dham are all in devotion to Lord Shiva. He is said to be the saviour of the town. The temples in the complex all have different names and Shiva is worshipped in different forms in this temple. In one of the temple, Shiva is worshipped in the celestial form, whereas in another one, Shakti is worshipped.
Most of the temples are adorned by the Shiva Lingam, and they derive their names form the panels on top of the temple entrance. Like- A temple which has the carving of Shiva dancing is called the Tandeshwar temple.
Main Temples of Jageshwar Dham
Jageshwar Temple – 8th Jyotirlinga or Nagesh Jyotirlinga
In India, there are 12 Jyotirlingas, spread across the mainland. Jyotirlingas are actually holy temples dedicated to Shiva. These temples are highly revered and many Hindus aspire to visit all of them in their lifetime.
The Jyotirlinga in this temple assumes the form of a Snake. It is depicted as Nagesh- who is said to be the King of Snakes. Here the Shivalingam is depicted with a serpent.
This powerful temple is located at the far end of the temple complex and is one of the one attraction points. It is said to be the main temple.
Before entering you will find two wonderful sculptures adorning the entrance. Inside you will be greeted by the Shivalingam, and will an acute sense of devotion and spirituality. The inner sanctum radiates a kind of power and positive vibe which is hard to miss.
The atmosphere itself is amazing, as you make your way inside the temple and try to soak in as much as you can. The Shivalingam has a lamp in front of it, which is meant to keep buying like the eternal flame.
There is a regular Aarti that you can perform around the time of sunset.
source: উইকিপিডিয়া
Mahamrityunjay Mahadev Temple
Another one of the main temples, this temple is said to be the oldest and largest temple in the Jasgeshwar complex. This will be the first temple you will see the moment you enter the complex, as it is located right at the centre of it.
It almost seems as if the other temples are just positioned in devotion to the gigantic architecture marvel.
Inside the temple, you will find the priest telling you, how this was the first temple where Shiva was worshipped in the form of a Linga. You will also find Mahamrityunjay chant carved onto the walls of the temple intricately.
This temple is not just holy and sacred, but also a grand lesson in history. Archaeologists have been able to find 25 inspirations that go back to 7-10 CE. There is so much depicted on the walls, that it will take you a whole day if you want to understand it and hear the many stories that are associated with it. The inscriptions are all in Sanskrit.
There are many other temples in the complex, which you must visit- Pushti Devi Temple, Dakshinukhi Hanuman Temple, Nav Griha Temple, Kedareshwar Temple, Lakulisha Temple, Kandeshwar Temple, and the Batuk Bhairav Temple.
In and Around
The temple town of Jageshwar is not only limited to the main Jageshwar Temple complex.
After you are done paying respects and marvelling at the Jageshwar Temple Complex, make your way to the Kuber Temple Complex.
This beautiful temple complex is situated on top of a little hill, that has a calming stream that engulfs the complex. The scene is as holy as the town itself. This temple too is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
source: Nav Uttarakhand
From here you will also get a magnificent view of the Jageshwar Temple Complex. The view is so enchanting that you will find yourself praising the hands and ideas of the architects who built it.
Another Temple complex that you should head to is the Dandeshwar Temple Complex, which is right beside the main Jageshwar Complex. As you make your way to this temple, you will realise that this is not a small little shrine. Instead, it is the tallest temple in the entire town. The temple is surrounded by 14 smaller shrines that also look to be in awe of the main Dandeshwar Temple. All of these temples are all dedicated to the Neelkanth. As you make your way from the Jageshwar Temple to the Dandeshwar Temple, you will be greeted with several smaller shrines, that makes the route very captivating. As you walk you find a wonderful positive vibe washing over you. Such is the effect of this town.
Jageshwar Archaeological Museum (Under ASI), isolate ignored by most the tourists who visit this beautiful temple town. Yet, this museum is a treasure trove. There are several artefacts that you can find in these museums, from amazing statues that once rested in the Jageshwar Dham Temples, to beautiful metal artefacts that are now preserved with utmost care.
All of these exhibits weaves a wonderful tale about the rich history of this town. Make sure to visit the museum to be enchanted by the mystical tales of the region.
This is one such town that must be visited at least once in your lifetime. The moment you walk in you will feel a spiritual presence washing over you. The town has a completely different vibe which is bound to change you for the better. You will co
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