Bathu Temples
Bathu temples (बाथू मंदिर), known locally as Bathu ki ladi (बाथू की लड़ी), is a cluster of temples in the Kangra district of Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, with the main temple dedicated to goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. These temples were submerged in Maharana Pratap Sagar, a reservoir created by Pong dam in the early 1970s. Since then, these temples are only accessible from May to June when the water level decreases.[1] The temples are accessible by boat from Dhameta and Nagrota Surian and accessible by road from Jawali. There are several small villages near the temple site, which includes Guglara, Sugnara, Harsar, Jarot, Bajera, Katnor, Khabal, Ludret, and Bhial.
| Bathu Temples | |
|---|---|
बाथू की लड़ी | |
   Clockwise from top right: Temples from Maharana Pratap Sagar, Nagara styled architecture, Temples with Himalayas in the background. | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Kangra |
| Deity | Shiva, Parvati, others |
| Location | |
| Location | Maharana Pratap Sagar |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Country |  India |
  Location in Himachal Pradesh | |
| Geographic coordinates | 32.047235°N 76.003648°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Nagara architecture |
| Creator | Pandavas |
History
According to common local belief, it was built by local king who ruled the region. Many stories about the origin of the temples are famous among the folklore. [2] Other beliefs say that temple was built by Pandavas.[3] The folklore tells a story dating back to Mahabharata when Pandavas attempted to build a staircase to ascend to Heaven at monolithic Masrur Rock Temples located at the opposite of the lake but Indira intervened. But, successfully built the 'Stairway to Heaven' at 'Bathu ki Ladi' temples where that staircase still exists even today and one can climb to the top most part to have a feel. The central temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Submerged 'Bathu ki Ladi' temples can be visited in winters when water recedes.[4]
Gallery
Rehabilitation
Shivling was restored under the supervision of Honourable Manoj Kumar, the State coordinator of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in this ancient temple series.
Other things
- It is an abode of migratory birds which attracts many birdwatchers and tourists. Some of the birds are extensively found here.
- It was a shooting location for many Punjabi music videos, including those of Miss Pooja and Kaler Kanth.
- It was featured on Pepsi MTV Indies' Show Way Back Home Episode 4.
| Also Known as | Bathu Ki ladi, Bathu Temple Clusters |
| Location | Submerged in Maharana Pratap Sagar
Guglara link road from Jawali |
| District | Kangra |
| Nearest City | Jawali |
| Nearest Railway Station | Jawanwala Shahar |
| Nearest Airport | Kangra Airport |
References
- Service, Tribune News. "Bathu temples' tourism potential untapped". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
- Kushika (29 July 2019). "Bathu Ki Ladi : The Hidden Temple in Himachal Pradesh". Being Pahadia. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- Srivastava, Priya. "Heard of Bathu ki Ladi, a unique temple in Himachal?". Times of India Travel. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
- The Bathu Temples. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
