World’s First Shivling: Maha Mrityunjaya Temple in Jageshwar Dham

Who & When built the Jageshwar Dham

Jageshwar Dham is located 35 km away from Almora in the deodar forest & 1860 meter above sea level. It was built between the 7th and 12th centuries. Jageshwar is the 8th Jyotirlinga from all 12 jyotirlingas. Katyuri Kings was the main artist of this historical temple. Generally, they used to start their work at night and most of the projects were completed by them only in a single night. So, no one can see them while working and their task procedure. Baijnath temple arts are also similar to Jageshwar which is located in the district of Bageshwar, which was also built by the Katyuri Dynasty.

Jageshwar Dham (Source: Google)

Around 400 temples are located in Almora which connects the architecture of Katyuri Kings. Jageshwar has small & large temples. There is also an assumption that Katyuri kings were short in the height that's why they also built some small temples in the Jageshwar Dham.

Katuri King (Source: Google)

Who was the Caretaker of Jageshwar Dham After Katyuri Kings

After Katyuri King, the Chand Dynasty took care of the temple. Approx 140 temples were built in the Jageshwar. Jageshwar is divided into two parts: The first part is Dandeshwar Temple and the second part is Maha Mrityunjay Temple which is 1.5 km away from the Dandeshwar Temple.

Some other temples are also located in Jageshwar such are:

• Dandeshwar Temple
• Chandi Temple
• Kuber Temple
• Maha Mrityunjay Temple
• Navdurga Temple
• Navagraha Temple
• Pyramid

Jageshwar Jyotirlinga (Source: Google)

But, Dandeshwar is the biggest temple in Jageshwar Dham. Temple’s top is covered with a wooden roof that relates to the Nepal & Tibetian culture too.

Sapatarishi (Source: Wikimedia)

The arrival of Lord Shiva in Jageshwar & Story of Saptarishis

As per the history of Jageshwar, Lord Shiva came here to meditation and at that time Saptrishi’s wives were attracted to Lord Shiva. Then, Saptrishi saw their wives with Lord Shiva and they gave the curse to Lord Shiva. And, in revert Lord Shiva also gave the curse to Saptrishi’s for blinking like stars (7 Stars) in the sky forever.

Sapatarishi (Source: Pinimg)

The arrival of Mahaguru Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th Century for Maha Mrityunjaya Temple

Mahaguru Adi Shankaracharya (Source: Amritapuri.org)

Mahamrityunjay temple has its own holy powers here. Mahamrityunjay mantra is written on the inside walls of the temple in the Sanskrit and Brahmi language. It’s also the first Shivalinga of the earth. Shivlinga’s worship started from here. People also said that this temple was also used by some bad elements to fulfill their wishes which were defaming the temple’s motive. Then in the 8th Century, Mahaguru Adi Shankaracharya came there and again started the holy worship in a holy way and stopped the bad supernatural powers which were harming the society.

Two Stem Deodar tree in Jageshwar Dham

In Jageshwar Dham, A deodar tree is also located which has two stems. People also say that it directly belongs to the image of Lord Shiva & Parvati. People also use to worship this tree to fulfill their desired wishes.

Deodar Tree in Jageshwar Dham (Source: mapio.net)

Climate & Weather of Jageshwar Dham

In the month of April-September, it is approx 24 to 28-degree Celsius (maximum) and 9 to 14-degree Celsius (minimum). From October to March there may be cold days. In the peak winter season, Jageshwar Dham also fills with the heavy snowfall and its beauties also attract the tourists as well. In the monsoon session, between July-September heavy rainfall also occurs here.

If you’re planning to Jageshwar Dham, then you have to visit both parts of the Jageshwar: Dandeshwar Temple & Maha Mrityunjay Temple. Both of them are the oldest part of Almora and have their own holy powers of Lord Shiva. And, if you’re also planning to have your own independent holiday home property for sale in Nainital or any other cottage in mukteshwar near Almora then you should do some research with a Uttarakhand biased developer who can suggest you well.