Till date, devotees pray to Bhagavan Siva as Bal Jagdeswar as connected to a legend of the Area. In Daruka Vana, there were ‘Balakhilyas’ a group of Sages of dwarf size performing severe penance for years. Bhagavan Siva sought to test the depth of the Dwarf Sages and appeared as a tall, hefty and handsome personality, a ‘Digambara’ or completely naked, covering His body with snakes. The house wives of the Area were so attracted to the Stranger that they were not only inquisitive but got hypnotised neglecting their house chores. The Sages got frustrated and approached Devas to save the confusion. When Devas meditated Lord Siva in desperation, He manifested as a Bal Jagdeswar, who has no Physique, Gunas (Characretistics), Tatvas, Sex, Age, Time, Distance, yet, He has all of these too! Thus materialized as a ‘Swayambhu’ (Self-born) Linga eversince! The Main Temple in the Complex is dedicated to Tarun Jagdeswar and the Dwarpalakas are Nandi and Skandi. The Sanctum is of two parts, the larger area being of Jagdeswara Jyotirlinga and the smaller area being of Devi Parvati. There is an ‘Akhanda Jyoti’ or Everlasting Lamp.The biggest Shrine in the Main Temple is dedicated to Mritunjaya or the Saviour of Death.The distinction of this Linga is that it has an opening of an Eye. Recitation of Mrutunjaya Mantra would yield immediate reliefs of troubles, health problems, mental disturbance and Spiritual solace. The Mantra is from Sukla Yajur Veda: Aum Trayambakam Yajamahe / Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam / Urvarukamiva Bandhanaan /Mrityor Mokshiye Maamritaat -We pray to Lord Siva whose eyes are the Sun, Moon and Fire. May He protect us from disease, poverty, and fear and bless us with prosperity, longevity and good health. Another important Shrine in the Complex is of Pushti Bhagavati. Outside the Complex are Vinayak Kshetra, Jhanker Saim Mahadev (who was meditatated and instructed His Ganas to destroy the Demons who were disturbing His Tapasya), and Briddha Jagadeswar (in the Form of Old Jagadeswar).
