March, 2017
After traveling extensively throughout India and abroad, I can confidently assert that Uttarakhand is akin to the Switzerland of India. In many regions around the globe, a hill station may conclude after just a few kilometers; however, in Uttarakhand, India, one can revel in breathtaking natural wonders that extend for hundreds of kilometers. The seemingly endless expanse of pine trees, silver and green oaks, birch, cedar, ancient temples, and rivers is truly remarkable.
The experience is beyond verbal description. Prior to embarking on your journey, it is essential to set aside your office, home, worries, and any negative thoughts and embrace this adventure to Uttarakhand.
The temple city consists of a group of 124 stone temples, both large and small, and is thought to house the Nagesh Jyotirlinga. Among these temples are the Dandeshwar Temple, Chandika Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mritunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi or Nau Durga, the Navagraha Temple, a pyramidal shrine, and the Surya Temple. The oldest of these is the Mrityunjaya Temple, while the largest is the Dandeshwar Temple. This entire complex is enveloped by a thick forest.
A few shops are there near the temple gate, and since we reached the temple after sunset, the photos are not very clear.
The Jageshwar Monsoon Festival, held from 15 July to 15 August, takes place at Jageshwar.
Location
Situated in Uttarakhand, India. The easiest way to get to Jageshwar is by flying into Delhi. There are multiple trains that can take you to the last railway stop, Kathgodam. From there, it’s a 125 km journey. You can find plenty of taxis and government buses available at Kathgodam.
Where to stay
The temple is on the Kailash – Manasarovar Yatra route. There are a few options for accommodation at Jageshwar itself. There are a couple of small hotels in the town, apart from the KVMN (Kumaon Vikas Mandal Nigam), which seems to be the best option. However, it is quite easy to drive down from Almora/Nainital, as the roads are very good.
My 11 Days Itinerary to visit part of Kumaon Hills
History
According to the Archaeological Survey of India, these temples date back from the 8th century (during the early Katyuri Dynasty) to the 18th century (under the Chand Dynasty). They were restored while Katyuri King Shalivahandev was in power. An inscription from the Malla Kings can be found on the main temple grounds, showing their dedication to Jageshwar. The Katyuri Kings also contributed villages to the temple priests for upkeep. Additionally, the Chand Kings of Kumaon supported the Jageshwar temple.
Sanskrit Sholaka Citation in Shiva Puran, a Hindu mythology
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमाशंकरम् ।
सेतुबंधे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने ॥२॥
Meaning: At Parli is the Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga and at Dakini is the Bhimashankara Jyotirlinga,
At Setubandha is the Ramesha (Rameshwaram) Jyotirlinga and at Darukavana is the Nagesha (Nageshwara) Jyotirlinga,
Also
The ancient text Prasadmandanam describes this location as a home of Shiva:
हिमाद्रेरूत्तरे पार्श्वे देवदारूवनं परम्
पावनं शंकरस्थानं तत्र् सर्वे शिवार्चिताः。
This cluster of temples is enveloped by a dense Deodar forest that begins about 2 km into the area.
The Twelve Jyotirlingas
1.Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat) Where Shiva relieved the curse of Chandra Deva
2.Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh) Where Shiva-Parvati came to meet Kumara
3.Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh) Where Shiva protected devotee Veda Priya from demon Dushana
4.Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh) Where Shiva granted boon to Vindhya Mountain
5.Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand) Where Shiva gave darshan to Nara and Narayana
6.Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra) Where Shiva protected the devotee Sudakshina from demon Bhima
7.Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh) Where Shiva created Kashi and held it on his trident
8.Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra) Where Shiva gave darshan to Gautama Rishi and released the Gautami Ganga
9.Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkand, Maharashtra & Himachal Pradesh) Where Ravana placed the Atma Linga of Shiva
10.Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat, Maharashtra & Uttarakhand) Where Shiva protected devotee Supriya from demon Daruka
11.Rameshwar Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu) Where Shiva appeared before Sri Rama and gave the blessing of victory against Ravana
12.Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra) Where Shiva brought back to life the dead son of devotee Ghushma
There’s some debate about #10 Jyotirlinga related to the temple I’m visiting right now. One is the Nageshwar temple at Aundh in Maharashtra, the second is the Nageshwar temple at Dwaraka, and the third is the Jageshwar temple in Uttarakhand. The controversy stems from how the temple is mentioned in the scriptures as being in ‘Daruka Vanam’. Some translate this as ‘Dwaraka’, while others think the Deccan plateau is the true ‘Daruka van’. The Jageshwar temple is part of this discussion since it’s situated in a forest of Deodar or cedar trees, which are also called ‘Daruka’ trees.
Near the main complex is the temple complex of Dandeshwar, which is the largest temple here.
Epilogue.
The temple is on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route.
