Jageshwar Temple is one of the twelve
Jyotirlingas (sacred shrine of
Lord Shiva) in the country. It is located in a narrow valley encircled by deodar trees, in
Jageshwar town,
Uttaranchal. Jageshwar is situated 35 km to the north-east of
Almora.
The temple complex houses over 124 Nagara style built temples and hundreds of statues dating from 8th to 18th century. Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi are the three major shrines. A 6 ft long wooden snake painted with yellow and black polka dots can be found in the entrance. The architecture and exquisite carvings reflect the Buddhist influence. Victorian lamps and neon lights add to the beauty. The temple has a sanctum roofed by a short, heavy-shouldered Shikhara, preceded by a porch and a mandapam.
The temple holds two fairs; one during the occasion of Shivaratri and another in the month of
Shravan (July-Aug), called Shravan Mela. Thousands of devotees throng the temple during Shivaratri.
