Jaleshwar Mahadev

Name: Jaleshwar Mahadev
Address: Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Jaleshwar, Mahottari, Mahottari, Madhesh Province, NP

Shiva in the waterTemples & pilgrimage◆ Hidden gem1 min read

Also known as: जलेश्वर महादेव · जलेश्वर · जलेश्वरनाथ महादेव · Jaleshwor · Jaleshwar Nath

Jaleshwar Mahadev — Shiva in the water — Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The temple that names the town of Jaleshwar, Mahottari's border capital: its Shiva linga sits below ground level in a sanctum filled with water — 'Lord of the Waters'. A major Shivaratri site of Mithila.

Jaleshwar means 'Lord of the Waters', and the name is literal. In the main temple the Shiva linga lies in a pit below the floor, and the sanctum holds water around it. Devotees look down into the chamber to make their offerings.

A Mithila Shiva shrine

The temple is one of the best-known Shiva shrines in the Nepali part of Mithila, and pilgrims often combine it with Janakpur's temples. Around it lie ponds and smaller shrines typical of the region's sacred landscape.

The town

Jaleshwar is Mahottari's administrative centre, right on the border with Bihar. It is a busy, unpretentious place with a Maithili bazaar — a good glimpse of everyday Madhesh away from the tourist trail.

Festivals

At Maha Shivaratri and during Shrawan, long lines form at dawn and the town fills with pilgrims from both sides of the border.

Photo gallery

← PreviousDhanushadham Next →Simraungadh