Jageshwar Temple, Almora

The history of Jageshwar Dham is steeped in mystery and legend. It is said to be over 2500 years old, but its exact origins are unknown. The temple is mentioned in various significant Hindu scriptures such as the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and Skanda Purana. According to a legend, Lord Shiva and seven sages performed penance in the Jageshwar Dham area. The continuous chanting of mantras is said to have awakened the Shivalinga installed in the temple, which is why the area is known as Jageshwar Dham, meaning "the abode of the awakened Shiva. Another legend links the history of Jageshwar Mahadev Temple to the Pandavas. It is believed that the Pandavas built the temple out of wood during their exile. The temple was later rebuilt with stones by the Katyuri kings, who ruled the Kumaon region during the Gupta Empire. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has divided the construction

It is believed that pilgrims going on the Kailash Mansarovar route definitely stop at Jageshwar Dham to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati still reside here in the form of a tree. It is believed that devotees can get the darshan of the couple form of Lord Shiva and Parvati in the temple complex. There is a huge cedar tree with one branch from the bottom and two branches from the top, which is said to be very ancient. It is said that every wish made in Jageshwar Mahadev Temple was fulfilled, but people started misusing this power. Jagatguru Adi Shankaracharya once came here and banned the vows taken for evil deeds through Veda mantras.