Bathu ki Ladi is a unique temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
According to local tradition, the Bathu Temples were commissioned by a regional king who once governed the area. Numerous folklore tales circulate regarding the temples’ origins, with some attributing their construction to the Pandavas. One popular legend harkens back to the time of the Mahabharata when the Pandavas endeavored to build a stairway to Heaven at the monolithic Masrur Rock Temples, situated across the lake. However, their efforts were thwarted by Indra. Undeterred, they successfully constructed the “Stairway to Heaven” at the Bathu ki Ladi temples, where the staircase remains intact to this day, offering visitors an opportunity to ascend to the highest point and experience its aura. The central temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the winter months, when the water recedes, the submerged Bathu ki Ladi temples can be explored.
Here’s some information about the Bathu ki Ladi Shiv Temple:
Bathu ki Ladi Shiv Temple
- Location: Bathu ki Ladi is situated in a village called Dada Siba, which is about 38 kilometers from Kangra town and 10 kilometers from Jawalamukhi in Himachal Pradesh.
- Description: Bathu ki Ladi is not a conventional temple structure but rather a series of naturally occurring rock pillars that form a beautiful and serene setting. These rock pillars are said to have formed due to geological processes and erosion.
- Legend: According to local legends, these rock pillars are believed to be the remains of a stone bridge that Lord Shiva created across the Beas River. It is said that Lord Shiva destroyed the bridge after a princess committed suicide by jumping into the river, and the bridge was considered inauspicious.
- The Floating Stones: The most fascinating aspect of Bathu ki Ladi is that the rock pillars appear to be floating due to the way they are balanced on each other. This unique geological formation attracts visitors and devotees from far and wide.
- Spiritual Significance: Devotees believe that visiting Bathu ki Ladi and offering prayers here brings blessings and fulfills wishes. The serene and natural surroundings make it an ideal place for meditation and introspection.
- Accessibility: Bathu ki Ladi is accessible by road, and visitors need to trek a short distance from the road to reach the site. The trek is not difficult and adds to the overall experience.
- Visiting Hours: The temple is open to visitors during the day, and it’s best to visit during daylight hours to appreciate the beauty of the rock pillars and the surrounding landscape.
Travel Tips:
- Footwear: As with most temples, it’s customary to remove your footwear before entering the area of the rock pillars.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable and modest clothing suitable for trekking, as you’ll need to walk a short distance to reach the site.
- Photography: The unique rock formations make for excellent photography, so make sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of Bathu ki Ladi.
