A song in stone. A magical melody in the form of each structure. Built over a gurgling stream with the green deodars as backdrop, the temple complex plays its part in bringing alive the spiritual history of the place. The lore of the temple handed down by word of mouth from generation to generation abounds with the potency and power of the spiritual.
The temple has to be seen to feel the pulse, the energy of the place. Crossing the small wooden bridge, you walk down the steps to a huge complex dotted with the main temple and attendant shrines… Entering the dimly lit main temple with rocky walls and stone cold floor, the starkly beautiful sanctum sanctorum, one is transfixed by the rhythmic pounding of sheer energy. Captivated by the animated and vibrant peace. A paradoxical symmetry of calm and force.
The elusive, the invisible seem to intermingle with the silence. The ambience is rich with the realization of the terrifying power of the God blending with the mellow strength of his other avatars. The presence of the Lord’s might is felt in every nook and cranny, every stone crevice, every figurine molded onto the stones. It is artwork at its best.
Believed to be from the 9th to the 10th century AD, the temples in the complex are constructed in the phamsana shikhara style. The Dandeshwar temple is the oldest of the Jageshwar Temples. Though it is the lesser known of the temples of the Dham its contemporaneity is measured to pre-feudalistic times. The evidence to support this belief is the wrought silver image of an unknown donor holding a lamp in his hands. There is no indication to suggest the donation by any king to Dandeshwar in recorded history.
It is believed the image is that of Raja Paun. Paun being a dialectical distortion of the word Pandava. Much more significant is the cult image of the temple which is a living rock. An unlikely symbol of worship under the orthodox Brahmanical context.
Van Serai is located just a kilometer away from the temple. A beautiful lodge amidst the deodar forests it allows you to experience spiritual magic being so near to the Dandeshwar temples. Its location lets you feel the throb of the mystical in the stunning landscapes of Jageshwar. You can go on a meditation retreat or simply walk around and take in the picturesque views.
MahaMrityunjay Temple
The MahaMrityunjay temple is the largest and oldest temple in the Jageshwar temple complex. Here the Linga is worshipped as the saviour from death. This east-facing temple has a unique linga with an eye-shaped opening. The MahaMrityunjaya Mantra is attested in the Sukla Yajurveda Samhita. It is believed that reciting the MahaMrityunjaya Mantra is an auspicious and powerful method of self-realisation. It helps in the removal of evil effects, and gives freedom from all kinds of fears, illness and negativity.
To conduct MahaMrityunjay chanting and Pooja (prayer), please get in touch with us.
Pushtidevi
The shrine of Pushti Devi which literally means nourishment or confirmation is dedicated to Pushti Devi, the goddess who nourishes or gives us what we need.
Lakulisha
Lakulisha was considered the last avatar of Lord Shiva. He was one of the earliest teachers of Pasupata philosophy A small shrine dedicated to him and his name literally means the Lord with a Club and this is how he is depicted in this temple. Inside, though, is just a small Shivling, for nothing much remains of the original deity.
TarunJageshwar
One of the principal temples, the TarunJageshwar is a west facing temple of Lord Shiva and is situated in the temple premises. Here, Shiva is worshipped in the form of Nagesh/Jageshwar. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, the Shiva Linga is divided into two parts. The larger one depicts Shiva and the smaller one his consort Parvati. The armed Nandi and Skandi are the two dwarapalakas (door guardians) here. There are two Ashtadhatu statues of Chand Kings Deepchand and Tripalchand in the standing posture behind the Shivling. An Akhand Jyoti, (an immortal flame) burns in the temple.
Vridh Jageshwar
This temple about 3 km uphill Jageshwar, called the Old Shiva, is said to be the abode of Shiva before he came down to Jageshwar. The unremitting peace they emanate is one of the most fascinating aspect about both Jageshwar and Vridh Jageshwar
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