Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple | Janakpur

Information

Landmark: Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple
City: Janakpur
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Janakpur, Nepal, Asia

Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine located in Jaleshwar, the district headquarters of Mahottari in the Madhesh Province of Nepal. It is one of the most significant Shaivite pilgrimage sites in the Mithila region, particularly known for its unique "underwater" deity.

Visual Characteristics

The temple is built in a Gumbaz (Dome) architectural style with appealing turrets. The primary defining feature is the main sanctum, which contains a quadrangular water tank located 16 steps below the ground level. A square Shiva Linga remains permanently submerged in this pool of water. The complex is surrounded by four historical ponds-Barun Sir, Purand Sir, Purni Sir, and Mahantha Pokhari-each serving specific ritual purposes.

Location & Access Logistics

Distance: Located 18 km southwest of Janakpurdham, near the Nepal-India border (Bithamore).

Access: A 15-to-30-minute drive from Janakpur via the Janakpur-Jaleshwar highway.

Transport: Regular public buses, taxis, and electric rickshaws operate from Janakpur's city center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The temple's existence is traced back to the Janak Dynasty. Local belief holds that during the marriage of Ram and Sita, soil was taken from this holy site (Maithani) to Janakpur for the wedding rituals. In 1812 AD (1869 BS), King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah provided 275 bighas of land for the temple's administration via a copper inscription that is still preserved. The name "Jaleshwar" literally translates to "Lord of the Water."

Key Highlights & Activities

The Underwater Linga: Unlike most Shiva temples, the Linga here is only visible and touchable by the general public on Maha Shivaratri, when the water is drained. On all other days, it remains submerged.

Historical Ponds: * Purand Sir: Used for washing hands and feet before entry.

Barun Sir: Famous for lotus flowers used in worship.

Purni Sir: Provides "Makhan" (fox nuts) as offerings.

Panchkoshi Parikrama: The temple is a vital stop on the traditional five-day circumambulation circuit of Janakpur.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Jaleshwar is a developed administrative town. The temple area features basic resting places for pilgrims, local Mithila-style eateries, and 4G/5G cellular connectivity. Accommodation options in Jaleshwar range from modest guesthouses to mid-range hotels, though many visitors choose to stay in Janakpur and visit on a day trip.

Best Time to Visit

Maha Shivaratri (Feb/March): The most significant day, as the water is removed and devotees can touch the Shiva Linga.

Shravan (July/August): During the holy month of Shiva, when the temple is crowded with "Bol Bam" pilgrims.

Maghe Sankranti (January): Commemorating the prophecy of the hermit Jagadesh, who predicted the emergence of the Linga.

Facts & Legends

Legend says that some 250 years ago, a hermit named Jagadesh meditated here and prophesied that the earth would crack and a unique Shiva Linga would emerge from the water. Another tradition states that the temple was hidden for centuries and rediscovered by a forest-dwelling ascetic.