Bathu Ki Ladi Temple, Kangra
No less than a wonder, “Bathu Ki Ladi” preserves the valuable cultural heritage of the Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, which is home to thousands of small and large temples. Mata Jawala Ji, Chintpurni, Trilokinath, Bhimakali, Naina Devi, and many other such temples have their grandeur spread in all directions. We are telling you about a unique temple that is no less than a wonder in itself. Have you ever heard of a temple that stays underwater for eight months and only allows visitors to see it for four months? This temple is known as the Bathu Temple and is famous by the name “Bathu Ki Ladi” in the local language. The stone used in the construction of the temple is called Bathu’s stone. Besides the main temple, there are eight other small temples in the Bathu Temple complex that appear to be strung together like a garland when viewed from a distance. That’s why this beautiful temple is called “Bathu Ki Ladi” (a garland of beads).
In these temples, there are statues of Sheshnag and Lord Vishnu, and in the center, there is a main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, there is no definitive evidence that the main temple is a Shiva temple. Some people consider it dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but based on the style and construction of the temple, it is considered a Shiva temple. A few years ago, local people got together and installed a Shivling in the temple once again.
Bathu ki Ladi Temple History
It is believed that the Bathu Temple was established during the 6th century under the Guleria Empire. However, there are many myths and legends surrounding its construction. Some people believe that it was built by the Pandavas during their exile. They supposedly established a Shivalinga during their stay and built a magnificent temple with towering structures that could reach heaven. They even created stairs from earth to heaven in one night, but their work remained unfinished, as they were only able to build one and a half stairs. To complete the task, they sought help from Lord Krishna, who helped them finish the stairs in six months, although they were only able to construct forty stairs in the end.
Today, the temple still features the stairs to heaven, and there are forty of them, which people worship with great reverence. There is also a stone located a short distance away, which is believed to have been thrown by Bhima. It is said that blood comes out of the stone if struck with a pebble. Many secrets and legends are buried within the temple, waiting to be uncovered.
At a Glance
- 32.047235°N 76.003648°E
- India
- Himachal Pradesh
- Nagara architecture
- Pandavas
- 977.87 m (3,208 ft)
Wildlife Bird Sanctuary ( Pong dam lake) in kangra
The Pong Eco Village is a picturesque destination located on the edge of the Pong Dam Lake, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This sanctuary is a haven for wildlife and migratory birds, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and alpine forests in the backdrop.
The sanctuary is particularly popular for birdwatching, with over 100,000 water birds migrating to the lake during the winter months of September to April. Some of the species you can spot include Surkhabs, Arctic Terns, Bar Headed Geese, Egrets, Ducks, and Lack Headed Gulls. The Bar Headed Geese, known for being one of the world’s highest-flying birds, migrate south from Tibet, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia before crossing the Himalayas.
Apart from birdwatching, you can also enjoy other wildlife sightings, such as Leopards, Nilgai, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Goral, Wild Boar, Monkeys, Clawless Otter, Mongoose, Monitor Lizard, Cobras, Pythons, and more than 20 varieties of fish in the Pong Dam Lake.
The Pong Eco Village is an eco-tourism unit that offers an immersive stay experience, allowing visitors to connect with the village and forest roots of the region. You can relish the organic vegetables grown within the unit and enjoy fishing/angling with readily available fishing rods, only a five-minute walk from the Pong Dam Lake. The stunning panoramic view of the Dhauladhar ranges and Kangra Valley makes it an excellent spot for photography.