Visible Only 4 Months A Year, Explore Bathu Ki Ladi, Himachal’s Submerged Temple Built By The Pandavas

Himachal Pradesh has a unique temple that can’t be seen for most of the year. Why? Because it stays submerged in water, visible for only 3-4 months a year. This rare gem of history and spirituality is a group of ancient temples that are only visible from April to June. The Bathu temples, locally called Bathu ki Ladi, are truly remarkable. For the better part of a year, the temple complex stays hidden in the Maharana Pratap Sagar, a reservoir constructed in the early 1970s. During the brief window between April and June, when the water level in the reservoir goes down, these ancient structures are visible, and for the rest of the year, they remain an underwater secret.

Bathu Ki Ladi, The Submerged Temples In Himachal Pradesh

The story of Bathu temples is steeped in history and mythology. According to local folklore, these temples were built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. According to the tale, during their exile period, the Pandavas tried to build a staircase to heaven here. However, the work was abandoned midway and today visitors can still see the half-built stairway of 40 steps that leads nowhere.

According to the historical records, the temples devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati date back to the 6th or 8th century AD. The complex originally consisted of 11 temples but today only 8 or 9 of them remain. A fine example of Nagara-style architecture, the Bathu temples are constructed from a unique stone called Bathu stone, which also lends the temples their name.

Also Read: 10 Historical Landmarks In Meerut That You Cannot Miss Out On!

A Hidden Wonder All Devotees Must Visit

Remarkably, even though these temples are submerged underwater for most of the year, they show minimal damage. The stone walls are covered with intricate and beautiful carvings of Goddess Kali, Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu.

Interestingly, there are no priests here at these temples. During the months that these temples are visible, visitors come and worship on their own. To reach here, visitors must take a boat from the nearby villages of Dhameta and Nagrota Surian. It is also accessible by road from Jawali. 

To seek blessings at this temple, make sure to plan your trip between April and June. The nearest airport is at Gaggal, and from there you can take a taxi to the temple area.

A unique blend of mystery and history, Bathu ki Ladi is a must-visit temple for the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Mywik2023