Jageshwar Dandeshwar Temple Complex - Uttarakhand

Address

Jageshwar Dandeshwar Temple Complex – Uttarakhand

Dandeshwar-Jageshwar Rd,

Jageshwar Range, Uttarakhand 263623

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

The Dandeshwar Temple Complex in Jageshwar, Uttarakhand, India, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique features and legends. The Dandeshwar Temple Complex is situated on the Artola–Jageshwar road, approximately 2 kilometers away from the main Jageshwar Temple Complex.

Puranic Significance

According to legend, Lord Shiva was once meditating in the nearby forest, which was also inhabited by many sages. The wives of the sages were drawn to Lord Shiva and this attraction led to the sages turning Lord Shiva into stone.

Special Features

Incomplete Temple:

Within the Dandeshwar Temple Complex, there is an incomplete temple that has an interesting legend associated with its construction.
The story goes that while the temple was being built, a goddess appeared in a dream to the builder. She instructed him to construct the temple so tall that it would be visible from the top of the Bageshwar Temple. She even threatened to harm the builder if he failed to fulfill her request.
The task proved to be nearly impossible, and the builder eventually abandoned the construction of the temple, leaving it incomplete.

Temple Complex and Architecture:

The Dandeshwar Temple Complex is situated in a picturesque location beside a small rivulet.
It comprises one large temple and 14 subsidiary shrines. Most of these shrines are located around the major temple, while a few are scattered throughout the temple complex.
The large temple is considered one of the tallest in the region and houses Lord Shiva in the form of a rock, unlike the traditional Linga.
Temple 145, found within the Dandeshwar site, is dated to the 7th to 8th century and exhibits a distinct architectural style, suggesting the acceptance and proliferation of artistic diversity. Its tower consists of a stacked series of amalaka, which are cogged discs of shrinking diameter.
Below this tower is the square sanctum (Garbha griha) with a doorframe and mandapa formed by square pillars.
Some of the minor shrines within the complex house Shiva Lingas on circular Yonipitha and Chaturmukha Lingas.
An intriguing life-size image of Paun Raja (the king) is on display. It is crafted from an alloy of eight metals (Ashta Dhatu) and was brought from the Dandeshwar Temple Complex. This idol is a rare sculpture from the Kumaon region.
In addition to the temples within the complex, many minor shrines can be seen along the road that connects Jageshwar and Dandeshwar.