Bathu ki Ladi Temple Kangra: Mystery of Vanishing Temple

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Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali: Today, we’re going to discover a real wonderland, a secret treasure located in the gorgeous Himachal Pradesh mountains in India. Just imagine a temple hiding and seeking with a massive lake! Yes, we’re off to discover the amazing Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali, situated near Jawali in the Kangra District.

Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali

Now, just picture me, your good friend, here with my hat on and a wide grin, waiting to share all about this magical place. It’s not an ordinary temple; it is a storybook brought to life, a land where legends speak from the ancient rocks and the water retells tales of ages, ages past. So, let’s hand in hand (literally, of course, through this article!) and explore the interesting realm of Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali.

Bathu ki Ladi Temple History: A Glimpse into the Past

Our exploration of the past starts with knowing when these incredible temples were constructed. Think, more than 1200 years ago! That’s even before your grandparents’ grandparents were conceived! Some intelligent individuals, such as historians, are of the opinion that these temples were constructed by a powerful dynasty known as the Hindu Shahi dynasty in the eighth century. Others opine that it was during the Guleria Empire period. Regardless of whoever constructed them, they were extremely clever since these temples stand the test of so many centuries, even after spending most of the year underwater!

Now, you must be thinking, “Why are they underwater?” Well, suppose there’s a very, very large lake, named the Maharana Pratap Sagar, or the Pong Dam reservoir. This lake was formed in the 1970s, and when the water fills up to the top, these Bathu ki Ladi Temples get fully covered. But do not worry, they are not lost forever! They are like sleeping giants, waiting for their special time to come out.

These temples are really unique because they are constructed using a very hard stone known as “Bathu” stone. Can you picture a stone so durable that it can remain underwater for months and still appear so fine when it resurfaces? It’s almost as if the stone possesses a superpower! That’s because the people gave the temples the name “Bathu ki Ladi,” or “string of Bathu stones,” because they resemble elegant beads on a necklace when they come out of the water.

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Legend of the Temple: Tales from the Mahabharata

Each ancient site has a story behind it, and Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali has one of the best! Do you know about the great Pandavas from ancient Indian history known as the Mahabharata? They were five highly special brothers. The myth is that when they were on their exile period, when they were roaming far and wide, they arrived at this very location.

Now, the Pandavas were most religious and wanted to construct a staircase to heaven here! Do you think of constructing stairs up to the sky? What an ambitious dream, don’t you think? It is said that they attempted to construct this staircase in a single night. But constructing something as massive as this requires a lot of time, even for such heroes as the Pandavas. Some accounts even mention that Lord Krishna, a highly significant God, assisted them by extending the night, such as 30 nights in a single one! Despite all the assistance, the stairs remained unfinished.

And you know what? You can still spot some of these unfinished steps, which the locals fondly refer to as the “Stairway to Heaven.” Isn’t that wonderful? It makes you want to feel like you’re walking into a fairy tale, right? This association with the Mahabharata transforms the Bathu ki Ladi Temple from a destination to see, to a destination where you can sense the vibrancy of old myths and legendary stories.

Although the Mahabharata does not refer to “Bathu ki Ladi” directly, the local traditions firmly connect the Pandavas’ struggle to construct a stairway to paradise with this very location. It’s a great instance of how legends from the ancient past become a part of our lives, and sites such as this one are all the more special.

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Significance of the Temple: Why This Place is Important

So, why is Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali so significant? Well, it’s significant for so many reasons!

To start off, it’s a religious site. The central temple is for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are extremely significant Gods in Hinduism. There also are smaller temples surrounding the central one, with sculptures of other Gods such as Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman. Individuals visit here to pray and feel more connected to God. When you’re there, you may observe people placing flowers and lighting lamps, much like at other temples.

Second, it’s a treasure from the past. These temples reveal much about the way people constructed things such a long time ago. The stone carvings are like photographs from the past, revealing what people thought and how they used to live. It’s like an enormous history book carved out of stone!

Third, it’s a wonder of nature. Imagine Bathu ki Ladi Temple that disappears and then comes back again! It’s like a trick that nature does itself. The Pong Dam lake, upon which the temples stand, is also a large bird sanctuary. This implies that there are a lot of, a lot of lovely birds, particularly migratory birds who fly from far away, present here. So, if you are a bird lover, this is heaven! You can spot them flying, tweeting, and even swimming in the water. It’s such a lovely combination of history, spirituality, and nature.

bathu ki ladi temple photos

Architecture: The Stone Storytellers

Let’s talk about how these amazing temples were built! The architecture of Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali is truly a marvel. The temples are built in the Nagara style of architecture. Imagine a tall, curving tower, like a mountain peak, rising towards the sky. That’s a key feature of the Nagara style, which is common in northern India.

What truly makes these temples unique is the “Bathu” stone they are built with. This stone is so robust that it has managed to withstand centuries of being underwater! It’s as if the constructors knew precisely what they were doing, selecting the ideal material that could withstand the test of time, even the powerful forces of water.

Bathu ki Ladi Temples are spaced out in a peculiar manner, similar to beads on a garland, and hence they are referred to as “Bathu ki Ladi” or “string of Bathu.” The middle temple, the largest one, is devoted to Lord Shiva. There are over 15 small shrines around it. And if you observe carefully at the stones, you will notice fine carvings! Think of small pictures inscribed on the stone – inscriptions of Gods, goddesses, lovely flowers, and even mythical beasts. It’s as if the stones are narrating to you! These intricate inscriptions reveal the expertise of the artists and constructors so long ago.

Myths and Beliefs: Whispers of the Past

The legend and tales about Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali contribute to its mystic aura. We already discussed how the Pandavas attempted to construct the staircase to heaven. This myth is highly prevalent among locals and makes the site even holier.

Another interesting belief concerns the stone itself. It is believed that the “Bathu” stone possesses some sort of special quality that renders the temples able to withstand the water. The stone seems somehow blessed. This resistance of the temples, surfacing every year from the water, is perceived by many as a miracle, further bolstering their belief in the divine power behind the site.

And then there’s another legend that a greatly powerful stone was hurled by Bhima, one of the Pandavas, close to the temple. People even visit this stone! These myths and legends aren’t merely old tales; they are living culture of the site, generation after generation, so your visit here is indeed a journey into a land of ancient marvels and profound faith.

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bathu ki ladi temple himachal

Temple Timing: When the Temples Reappear

So, here’s the really exciting thing about Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali: it’s a bit like a bashful friend that only wants to play at specific times of the year! The temples remain underwater for almost the entire year, typically between July and February, in the Pong Dam reservoir. It’s as if they are having a long sleep under the lake.

But then the magic begins! Between March and June, when the water levels in the reservoir recede, Bathu ki Ladi Temple begin to re-emerge slowly. It’s as if they’re waking up from slumber, and their ancient grandeur is unfolding. Therefore, the best time to visit and behold these marvelous temples in all their glory is between these months. The weather too is extremely nice then, ideal for visiting!

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Special Days and Rituals and Busy Days:

Although there is not a lot of information regarding particular annual celebrations or everyday rituals specific to Bathu ki Ladi Temple per se, the broader Hindu calendar requires that special worship and sacrifice would be more frequent during the months that the temple is open (March to June).

Maha Shivaratri: As the main temple belongs to Lord Shiva, if Maha Shivaratri coincides with the accessible months, it would surely be a highly important day with extra prayers and devotees.

Other Hindu Festivals: Any of the important Hindu festivals such as Navratri or Janmashtami, if held in the accessible period, would experience more devotional activities.

Crowded Days: As would be expected, weekends and national holidays between the March to June period would be the busiest. Domestic faithful and visitors would throng to see the new Bathu ki Ladi Temples come up and pray. Weekdays or early mornings could be a less chaotic experience if you want fewer crowds.

Special Poojas Performed

Though not much information is documented on specific details of special, elaborate poojas (special prayers) done only in Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali, it is known that being a Shiva temple, worshipers would conduct daily Shiva poojas and abhishekams (ritual bathing of the idol). As a temple with its mythological link to the Pandavas, pilgrims may conduct specific poojas for ancestral blessings or for courage and strength, in line with the values of the Pandavas. The peaceful and distinct environment definitely contributes to the spiritual fervor of any prayer said here.

Sites to See Around the Temple: More Adventures in Store!

Himachal Pradesh is sometimes referred to as “Devbhoomi,” or “Land of Gods,” and with good reason! There are just so many lovely and historic temples surrounding Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali that you can see. If you are residing in the vicinity, these are some more places where you can further enjoy your religious and historical quest:

Masroor Rock Cut Temples: Approximately 40 kilometers from here, these are absolutely amazing! Think of temples cut out of one rock! They also have a nickname of the “Himalayan Pyramids” because they are so distinctive. It’s said that the Pandavas attempted to construct a stairway to heaven from here too, but were unable to complete it.

Kangra Fort: This is a very ancient and majestic fort, giving great views of surrounding valleys. It’s a place where you can picture kings and queens living long, long ago.

Baglamukhi Temple: This is a renowned temple devoted to Goddess Baglamukhi. People visit it to get blessings in order to defeat their enemies and obstacles.

Jwalamukhi Temple: A very well-known temple in which natural fires continue burning without fuel! It’s a real miracle and a highly significant pilgrimage destination.

Chamunda Devi Temple: This temple is devoted to Goddess Chamunda Devi and is located in a scenic natural backdrop and a tranquil place for worship.

These destinations provide a great means to discover more of the rich history and religious heritage of Himachal Pradesh after you’ve witnessed the Bathu ki Ladi magic.

How to Reach Bathu ki Ladi Temple: Your Journey to the Magic

Reaching Bathu ki Ladi Temple Jawali is half the fun!

By Air: The closest airport is Gaggal Airport (also Dharamshala Airport), which is approximately 50-70 kilometers away. You can drive from there to Jawali or Nagrota Surian in a taxi or by local bus.

By Train: The closest major railway station is Pathankot, which is approximately 100 kilometers away. From Pathankot, you can easily get buses or taxis to Jawali or Nagrota Surian.

By Road: This is usually the most frequent route to arrive. Bathu ki Ladi is nicely covered by roads. Drive your personal vehicle or take a bus to Jawali. There’s a bumpy road from Jawali for some 2.5 kilometers which brings you near to the Bathu ki Ladi Temple.

When you get close to the reservoir, depending on the water level, you may even have to go by boat to get to the temples! Think about it – by boat to an ancient temple that pokes out of the water! It’s like a scene from a movie, isn’t it? In the months when the water is extremely low, you may even be able to walk to the temples.


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