Bathu Temples, Himachal Pradesh

The Bathu Temples comprise eight stone structures that have maintained their original colors and carved details over time. They occupy a site that becomes submerged seasonally, restricting when visitors can explore the complex.

A regional ruler commissioned the temples, with local traditions linking their founding to the Pandavas from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. These connections reflect how the site was understood through legendary narratives in its region.

The main temple honors Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, with images of Ganesha and Kali greeting visitors at the entrance. These depictions show how different deities share sacred space within the same sanctuary.

Plan your visit between March and June, when the temples emerge from underwater storage during the dry months. You can reach them by boat from Dhameta or Nagrota Surian, or by road from Jawali if water levels have dropped.

The Maharana Pratap Sagar reservoir submerges these temples for eight months each year, creating an unusual rhythm where they disappear and reappear with the seasons. This cycle transforms them into a rare example of a sanctuary that exists between the water and land.

Location: Kangra district

GPS coordinates: 32.04724,76.00365

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:49