About
Vriddha Jageshwar, Almora is well-known as Bara/Baal
Jageshwar Temple among the local people. This is an ancient holy pilgrimage of
Lord Shiva at Almora. It is situated on the Jageshwar hillocks surrounded by
dense Deodar forest around 37 kilometres from Almora. Mahadeva is revered here
in the form of an ‘aged human being. Basically, there are two temples
positioned in the main complex Jageshwar and Vriddha and Vriddha is popular as
Baal Jageshwar. However, there are many
more temples situated inside the main former premise and around the caves as
well which hold numerous untold mysteries and stories. When one reaches to this
pilgrimage, serenity at the temple covers the soul with divine pleasure of
meeting the Supreme Being.
On Mahashivratri, umpteen devotees throng
the temple with prayers on their mind and offering on their hands. People come from
various places to get Shiva’s Blessings and they observe a holy vibe
surrounding in this auspicious occasion.
Fairs have been organised and people often fast on the night of Shivratri
and sing hymns and praises in the name of Lord Shiva. Large carcades are
carried out within the city with people thronging the streets to catch a glance
of the venerate idol of Mahadeva.