Jageshwar Dhamजागेश्वर धाम

About Jageshwar Dham

Jageshwar Dham is a group of ancient Hindu temples in the Jataganga valley, about 35 km northeast of Almora in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of about 1,870 m. Set beside a forest of tall deodar trees and the small Jata Ganga stream, it is one of the largest temple groups in the Himalaya, with more than a hundred stone temples, most of them dedicated to Shiva. The Archaeological Survey of India protects the site, which it divides into the Jageshwar and Dandeshwar groups. Many devotees revere Jageshwar as the seat of the Nagesh Jyotirlinga, though other places also claim that honour.

The temples were built over many centuries, from about the 7th to the 12th century, with later additions, and more than 25 inscriptions in Sanskrit, mostly from the 7th to the 10th century, have been found here. Colonial-era scholars linked the temples with the Katyuri and Chand dynasties of the hills, though there is no clear written evidence for this. Popular belief also credits Adi Shankaracharya with building some of them, but historians note that the site was associated with Pashupata Shaiva ascetics and that some temples are older than his time. Jageshwar remains a living place of worship, with daily rituals at the main shrines.

Inside the main compound, dozens of temples of different sizes stand close together, each with a curved stone tower (shikhara) in the nagara style, many topped by a wooden canopy. The Jageshwar temple, the principal active shrine, was probably built in the 12th or 13th century and has been rebuilt several times. The large Mahamrityunjaya temple is dedicated to Shiva as the conqueror of death and carries old inscriptions. The Dandeshwar temple heads a smaller group a short distance away. The ASI museum on site displays more than 150 sculptures from the valley, including images of Uma-Maheshwar, Surya, the Navagraha and Chamunda.

Jageshwar Dham timings & aarti

Usually open from early morning until evening. The ASI museum keeps its own hours and is usually closed one day a week. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Jageshwar Dham

Festivals at Jageshwar Dham

• Jageshwar Shravan (monsoon) fairJul/Aug
• Maha Shivaratri fairFeb/Mar

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Shoes are left outside the shrines.

Entry

Free to the temples. The ASI museum may charge a small fee.

• Allow a couple of hours to walk around both the Jageshwar and Dandeshwar groups at a relaxed pace.
• Visit the ASI museum to see sculptures that once stood in the temples.
• Photography inside the sanctums is not allowed; ask before taking pictures.
• Carry warm clothing; mornings and evenings are cool for much of the year.

Places to visit near Jageshwar Dham

• Dandeshwar temple groupSmaller cluster of ancient temples, a short distance down the valley
• Vriddha JageshwarHilltop temple reached by an uphill trek, about 7 km away
• AlmoraHill town of Kumaon, about 35 km away
• Jageshwar ASI MuseumSculptures from the valley, next to the temples

Frequently asked questions