Jageshwar- -Uttarakhand – India

Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Almora district of Uttarakhand state. Nestled in Kumaun region, 36 km northeast of Almora, this temple town is believed to be the site of the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Situated at an elevation of 1,870 mts above sea level, it is an important tourist destination in Kumaun and thousands of people visit Jageshwar each year especially during Shivratri.

 The beauty of Jageshwar is graced by the beautiful 'deodar' tress and the sight of Jataganga flowing through the valley. The calm and tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal for yoga and meditation.

 The temples of Jageshwar is an excellent example of the Nagara style (north Indian temple architecture) of architecture. The stone icons are various and impressive. There are temples dedicated to Child Shiva (Baal Jageshwa) and Old Shiva (Vridh Jageshwa). The main temple in the temple complex is dedicated to ‘Baal Jageshwar’ and the other temple dedicated to ‘Vridh Jageshwar’ which is situated on the higher slopes.

 The temple city comprises a cluster of almost 200 temples large and small stone temples, dating 9th to 13th century AD. Of the numerous temples, the major one is the Maha Mrityunjaya Temple. Other temples, dedicated to Surya, Navagraha and Neelkantheshwara belong to a later age when the Katyuri kings added to the existing structure some 800 years later.

 Counted among the 12 Jyotirlings in the country, Jageshwar lies in a beautiful narrow valley hedged by monarch-sized, ancient deodars. Of the over 100 small and large shrines of this complex, the three outstanding ones, in terms of sculpture, are dedicated of Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi.

 A number of festivals are held here; the main festivals of the town include the Shivratri mela usually held in the month of March and the month-long Jageshwar Monsoon Festival which starts on August.

 The Mirtola Ashram is a place of spiritual and natural beauty and has been built around a Shiva Temple with the name of Uttar Vrindavan. The Archaeological Museum is another popular must see place in Jageshwar. The museum contains 174 sculptures which found in the region from the temples of the Jageshwar dates from 9th to 13th century AD. The museum has two galleries and some of the prominent sculptures are Uma-Maheshwar, Surya and Navagraha.

 Dandeshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Chandi-ka-Temple, Jageshwar Temple are some of the most famous temples in Jageshwar.

The place is marked for its peaceful environment and pious rendition. Embellished with the tall deciduous deodar trees and winding river Jata Ganga, which finds its way to the side of the temple complex.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport from Jageshwar is Pantnagar, which is about 165 Kms from Jageshwar. From here you can hire a taxi or a bus to reach the temple town of Jageshwar.

By Rail

Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Jageshwar. The station is about 128kms away from the temple town of Jageshwar.

By Bus

Jageshwar is well connected by road to Delhi and there are various private buses that ply from Delhi to Jageshwar. You can either take the route through Corbett Park and Ramnagar or the other route that goes via Haldwani and Kathgodam. You can either avail the regular state buses that run between Delhi and Jageshwar or you can hire private taxi for your trip.

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