Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Hindu temple in Jaleshwar, Nepal.
Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple in the central market area of Jaleshwar, featuring a Shiva Linga set within a square water tank. Visitors descend sixteen stone steps from the main entrance to reach the sacred stone below.
The temple traces its origins to the era of King Janak, with a copper inscription from 1812 documenting King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah's donation of land for its upkeep. Royal patronage helped sustain this sacred site through the ages.
Thousands of Hindu devotees gather during Maha Shivaratri to worship the Shiva Linga when water levels drop and allow direct access to the sacred stone.
The temple is located approximately 240 kilometers from Kathmandu and about 20 kilometers from Janakpur, making it accessible from larger urban centers. Access to the Shiva Linga is restricted outside of specific religious occasions and lunar festivals.
The Shiva Linga remains completely submerged underwater year-round and is accessible to visitors only on a few days, such as the first day of Hindu lunar months. This underwater placement creates an unusual setting for worship and pilgrimage.
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