magic which unfolds at every turn, magic which is constantly moving and is the living part
of the earth. Those who sit at riverbanks know the magic of flowing waters and
its connection with natural world. River Yamuna creates such a divine magic at Bateshwar.
a small village hidden between Agra and Etawah in Uttar Pradesh. Approx. 80 km.
from Agra City, 8 km. from Bah and on the banks of sacred Yamuna River is the
Bateshwar Dham, a spiritual and cultural spot for people in this region. Starting
at 7:00 AM from Noida, it took us around 5.5 hours to reach Bateshwar Dham. From
Agra onwards the drive to Bateshwar cuts through the sand dunes of Chambal.
Terrific view of the surroundings and perfect tarmac of the expressway ensure a
smooth and comfortable drive.
we knew, we were about to explore a perfectly hidden spot, a holy place with
immense religious significance and whose riverfront is decorated by 51 Shiv
Temples along the riverbank. First glimpse of the clean ghats will make you
fall in love with the place.
premises. Dedicated to God Shiv, it is believed that under the huge Banyan tree
in front of the temple, God Shiv took rest for some time. That is how the place
got its name Bateshwar, Bat (Banyan Tree) + Ishwar (God), the Banyan God.
People come here from far off places and tie around a bell in the premises to seek blessings or as thanksgiving to God Shiv. Such has been the significance of this place that in past, even dacoits used to worship here and offer bells. Like these, once can find lot of bells in the premises –
Another
notable temple, carrying immense significance is Gauri Shankar temple. The
temple has the only statue of its kind in the world where God Shiv has a big
moustache and is dressed like a wealthy merchant. Goddess Parvati and Ganesh Ji
sites along with Shiv ji and Kartikeya is on the opposite wall. Devotees come from over all over the region to seek blessings for happy and peaceful family life at
this temple.
with bangles and vermilion (सिंदूर) to seek
blessings for happy married life. Do
not miss the statue of Kartikeya on the wall in front of God Shiv –
from these two temples there are number of temples along the ghats. Bateshwar
town finds mention in Matasya Puran and in Mahabharat as Shouripur, city of king SuriSen.
Around 40 temples were re-built by Raja Badan Singh of Bhadawar’s dynasty when
he had moved the capital from Mai to Bateshwar, around 400 years ago. Subsequent
kings built 108 temples at this place and since ages Bateshwar Dham has been a
centre of immense significance to Hindus.
Other
temples are Rameshwar Mahadev, Neelkantheshwar Mahadev, Moteshwar Mahadev, Mahakaleshwar Dham, Bade Bihari Ji Dham, Mallikarjun Dham, Dashmeshwar Dham, Baijnath Dham and more.
Some
way ahead from the premises in Pataleshwar Mahadev, wherein the 4 faced Shivling is approx.
10 ft. below the ground.
Almost
all of the temples are maintained on daily basis and devotees offer
prayers in each of the temples. Have a look at Shivlings of Bateshwar temples, Moteshwar Mahdev and Nageshwar Mahadev –
After worshipping a scenic boat trip on Yamuna
waters is a must to soak into the real essence of Bateshwar. Rivers are the
veins of the earth through which the lifeline comes to the heart. Feel privileged
to experience movement of Yamuna waters full of life, persistence, and infinity
of variation at Bateshwar.
Decorated boats slowly drifting along with the river
waters till the curve of Yamuna provides not only will renew the spirts but
also make for a panorama par excellence for clicking numerous pictures of the inline
temples. Enjoy the songs of river Yamuna from the boat ride and do not miss the chance to take a dip in the holy waters –
life on Mondays as many devotees from nearby regions come to worship. In Sharavan month per Hindi calendar,
devotees bring
Ganga Water in their Kanwar and offer to God Shiv. It is also believed that God
Shiv comes to Bateshwar in Kartik month to take a dip in Yamuna waters.
More about Bateshwar –
1.
In
earlier times, kingdoms of Bhadawar and Mainpuri were always fighting with each
other. To end the enmity both kings (Badan Singh Bhadauria and Parmar of
Mainpuri) decided to marry their children. Destiny had other plans as both
kings were blessed with girl child around same time. But Badan Singh falsely
informed Parmar of being blessed with a boy. When daughter of Badan Singh came
to know about the lies of her father and to safeguard the respect of her
father, she started praying to God Shiv Ji at Bateshwar. With the blessings of
God Shiv, the daughter turned into a handsome Prince as soon as she tried to
end her life by jumping into river Yamuna.
Ecstatic king Badan Singh Bhadauria then laid
foundations of 108 Shiv temples at Bateshwar Dham. Temples were subsequently completed
by his predecessors. However, due to lack of maintenance and gradual erosion, only
51 temples are standing at present.
2.
Also, Bateshwar
is the ancestral village of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Vajpayee Ji along with his elder brother had
got arrested in 1942 from Bateshwar for participating in Quit India movement. Ashes of Vajpayee Ji were immersed at Bateshwar ghats.
Rightly said rivers are a
direct connect with the past. The area is sparsely populated. Better to have breakfast/ Lunch at one of the restaurants along Taj Expressway, before Agra or carry your food with you. Keep exploring folks…