This 8-month submerged temple in Himachal Pradesh reappears every summer

Bathu Ki Ladi temple (Image: Instagram/ Radisson Blu Dharamshala)

In the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district lies a marvel so surreal, many travelers remain unaware of its existence. The Bathu Ki Ladi temples—a cluster of intricately carved stone shrines—spend nearly eight months of the year submerged beneath the waters of Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake. But from March to June, as the water recedes, these ancient monuments rise dramatically from the depths, revealing themselves in silent, solemn glory.

This isn’t the plot of a forgotten legend—it’s a real-world phenomenon that continues to mystify and mesmerize.

A Lost World of Stone and Devotion

Built from the locally sourced Bathu stone, these temples stand resilient despite decades of submersion. The stone’s hardness, which makes carving laborious, has also made the temples nearly indestructible. Even as waters return year after year, the shrines remain almost entirely intact—a feat of engineering and endurance that speaks volumes about the craftsmanship of ancient builders.

At the center of the complex stands the main temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, while surrounding it are five smaller shrines devoted to Lord Vishnu, along with images of Ganesha, Hanuman, Kali, and Sheshnaag carved into the weathered stone. Despite partial erosion of softer figures, many of the carvings are astonishingly well-preserved.

Myths Carved in Silence

The origins of Bathu Ki Ladi are shrouded in folklore. Some locals claim the temples were constructed by the Pandavas during their exile, connecting them to the epic Mahabharata. Others believe that King Harichand Guleria, ruler of the Haripur-Guler region in the 14th–16th centuries, was the force behind their creation. While the true origins remain a mystery, the blend of myth and masonry gives the site a spiritual gravity few places can match.

A Narrow Window to Witness a Wonder

The temples become accessible only when the water level of Pong Dam reservoir drops, generally between March and June. At other times of the year, this sacred chain of shrines lies hidden beneath the lake, out of reach. During the monsoon, the temples are fully submerged, and access is impossible.

Visitors can walk to the site during the dry season, while in the monsoon months, boats are sometimes used to glimpse the tops of the temples peeking from the water.

What to Expect: Architecture, Solitude, and Scenic Beauty

What makes Bathu Ki Ladi so compelling isn’t just its temporary appearance—it’s the atmosphere it offers. Set against the vast expanse of the Maharana Pratap Sagar reservoir and surrounded by forested hills, the temples emerge like ghostly silhouettes from the past. With carved pillars, faded idols, and quiet courtyards, the site feels untouched by modernity.

For those interested in architecture, the temples offer a study in resilience. Their symmetrical layout, carved sanctums, and detailed stonework are testament to an era that valued permanence and spiritual precision. For photographers, the interplay of light and water around the emerging temples creates a canvas of mood and mystique.

How to Reach

Located about 150 km from Jalandhar and roughly 70 km from Kangra, the temples can be reached via road when water levels drop. The final stretch is best covered on foot or by small vehicle, depending on the season. If you’re planning a visit, confirm water levels ahead of time with local tourism authorities to ensure access.

Bathu Ki Ladi is not your typical temple visit. It’s a brief encounter with time itself—where myth meets geology, and history hides beneath a lake. To stand there, in the silence of stones that reemerge after months underwater, is to witness a chapter of India’s past that very few get to see.