By the side of river Jata Ganga at a height of 1870 meter there are 125 group of ancient temples known as Jageshwar temples. The main shrine is near the market. The main temples are dedicated to Maha Mrityunjaya, Mahisasur Mardhini, Kedarnath, Baleshwar, Surya, Navagraha, Mahakali, Navdurga etc. Vridha Jageshwar 12 KM from Jageshwar is the source of Jata Ganga river. Temple opens at 4 AM in the morning and remains open till evening. Morning at 10 AM there will be Puja and evening Arati ( Puja ) held at 6.45 PM. You can offer donations and all your family details will be recorded here for puja. There is a Akhanda Jyoti ( lamp still burning from age old ). The lamp is glowing at belly height after descending from head and it is believed that it will be end of the universe once the lamp touches ground.
As per the board displayed by Archeological survey of India, Jageshwar is considered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of lord Shiva. This is located in the ancient rout of Kailash Mansarovar. It is said that Jagat guru Adi Shankracharya came here and re-established the sanctity of these temples.
This group of temples of different shape and size were constructed between 7th century AD to 18th century AD. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and other goddess. The Katyuri rulers ( circa 7th-14th cent A.D ) are stated to have restored the shrine and numerous grants by various members of the Chand Dynsty ( circa 15th-18th cent AD ) reflects their dedication.
Before the main temple there is a Museum on the main road. Here stone status of 8th to 14th centaury A.D are in display. These statuses are collected from different temples of Jagashwar and preserved here. There is a bronze status of Pona Raja.
This museum opening time is morning 9 AM till evening 5 PM. Friday the museum is closed. Cameras are not allowed inside. There is no entry fee. It will take 15 to 30 minutes to visit this museum.
Before 1 KM from Jageshwar ( after 2 KM from main road at Hortula junction ) there is Dandeshwar dedicated to Lord Siva. Constructed between 9th and 10th centuary A.D by Katyuri rulers it consist of 14 subsidiary shrines. Dandeshwar temple is one of the biggest and tallest temple of the Kumayun region. This temple is different than the usually Nagar style temple found in this region. The Santum is square shape and the Sikhara ( Spire ) is also different than any other local temples.
While visiting the Archaeological Museum at main Mukteshwar town you can see the big bronze status of Pona Raja at the entrance, this statue was originally located at Dandeshwar temple and it is shifted to Jageshwar museum for public view.
KMVN has its resort at Jageshwar you can book it by its nationwide marketing network. There are several budget hotels available at market. All hotels are located close to the temple within half KM of distance from temple. It is advisable to stay one night minimum here and plan for Puja at 4 AM in the morning. Because of religious importance of this place only vegetarian food is served in hotels here.
By road Jageshwar is 34 KM from Almora. On the road connecting Barechhina and Almora it is 3 KM from Artola Junction. From Delhi it is 389 KM Via Almora. Railroad ends at Kathgodam or Haldwani. Take cab from Haldwani if you are reaching early morning by boarding train from Delhi.
Really its heaven to stay in the lap of nature.