Vridh Jageshwar Dham - Uttarakhand

Vriddha Jageshwar Temple is located in Almora district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Vriddha Jageshwar holds special significance in Hinduism. Vriddha Jageshwar Temple is located a little upstream from Jageshwar Dham and is also known as Purana Shiv Mandir. This temple is about 14 kilometers from Jageshwar and about 37.9 kilometers from Almora. It is said that this place was the abode of Lord Shiva when he resided here before settling in Jageshwar. The peace and divinity of this temple attracts devotees, and this is one of the most prominent features about Jageshwar and Vriddha Jageshwar.

The religious and historical significance of Vriddha Jageshwar Temple is very deep. The devotees who come here perform various types of worship and it is believed that every wish made from the heart in this temple is fulfilled. Especially, it is believed that worshiping in this temple leads to the birth of a child. From here, many famous peaks of the Himalayan mountains like Chota Kailash and Om Parvat are also visible, which further add to the natural beauty of this place.

The temple was built in the seventh century during the reign of Uday Chand King. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared to King Uday Chand in his old age, after which this temple was built. Devotees from not only Uttarakhand but also from various states come to worship Lord Shiva in this temple. The devotees coming here have a deep faith in the fulfillment of their wishes, especially those who are unable to have children.

Another religious aspect of the Vriddha Jageshwar Temple is that Lord Shiva had performed penance of Lord Vishnu here, after which Lord Vishnu appeared to him. Vishnu in the form of Shaligram is worshiped here and devotees offer Malpua. Apart from this, the temple of Lord Kuber, Kalika Temple and Batuk Bhairav ​​is also located in the temple complex.

The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated here with great pomp. On this occasion, thousands of devotees and tourists visit the temple premises to participate in special pujas and rituals. During this time, devotees gather here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and be a part of the religious festivities of Mahashivratri.

The religious and cultural significance of the Vriddha Jageshwar Temple along with its natural beauty and peace make it a unique religious place, which creates a feeling of deep faith and reverence in the heart of every devotee.

There are many interesting facts about the Vriddha Jageshwar Temple, which make it a unique religious place:

• Ancient residence of Lord Shiva: It is believed that the Vriddha Jageshwar Temple was the ancient residence of Lord Shiva, where he resided before being established in the Jageshwar Temple. Hence it is also called "Old Shiva".
• Darshan of Uday Chand Raja: Lord Shiva appeared to Uday Chand Raja of the 7th century in his old age, after which the king built this temple. This belief makes the temple even more sacred and historical.
• Belief of getting children: This temple is especially famous for those devotees who wish to have children. It is believed that by worshiping here, their wish is fulfilled.
• Vast natural view: Many famous peaks of the Himalayas like Chota Kailash and Om Parvat are visible from the temple. This makes this temple very special not only from religious but also from natural point of view.
• Site of Shiva-Vishnu penance: It is said that Lord Shiva had performed penance of Lord Vishnu here and received his darshan. For this reason, Lord Vishnu is worshiped here in the form of Shaligram.
• Bhog of Malpua: Malpua is especially offered in this temple, which makes it a special tradition different from other Shiva temples.
• Reconstruction of Gorkha reign: This temple was rebuilt during the Gorkha rule (1790-1815). This further increases the historical importance of the temple.
• Mahashivratri Festival: Special worship and festival is organized here during Mahashivratri. At this time a large number of devotees and tourists reach the temple to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.
• Natural water sources: The temple was surrounded by four natural water sources. One of these water sources is called "Gauri Kund", which was considered sacred, although now it has dried up.
• Temples of Lord Kuber and Batuk Bhairav: Apart from the main temple, temples of Lord Kuber and Batuk Bhairav ​​are also located here, which make it even more special.