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Bateshwar Agra Address: Uttar Pradesh, 283104, India
Bateshwar, a small village near Agra, is an important spiritual, cultural and religious centre for Hindus and Jains. It’s built on the banks of River Yamuna.
It’s best known for its Shiva temple complex. It’s a cluster of ancient shrines on the river bank. The riverside setting of the complex infuses it with a serene ambiance. Bateshwar Agra itself is a harmonious amalgam of spirituality, history and natural beauty.
A trip to Bateshwar offers a tranquil retreat from the modern world. The village is also famous for its annual animal fair. This fair is considered one of the largest in the country, and it attracts a large number of traders and pilgrims.
Where is Bateshwar in Agra?
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Agra, Bateshwar is about 80 km from Agra. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the main attraction of Bateshwar Agra. The village also has a historical significance. It’s the ancestral residence of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India.
History of Bateshwar Temple Agra
As per local legends, Lord Shiva took a rest for some time under a Banyan tree (called Bat in Sanskrit) here. Thus, he came to be known as Bat Ishwar (Banyan Lord). Gradually, this place started being called Bateshwar.
The temples in Bateshwar Dham Agra are said to be constructed by King Badan Singh of the Bhadawar dynasty, about 400 years ago. The complex had more than 100 temples dedicated to Baba Bateshwar Nath. But out of those, only 42 temples still stand.
Bateshwar is associated with numerous other stories and legends. It finds references in many old scriptures, and it’s said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna’s mother.
In ancient Jain texts, this area is referred to as Shauryapura. It’s said that the 22nd Tirthankar, Lord Neminath, was born here. Thus, Bateshwar and the surrounding regions are sacred for the Jain community, too.
Excavations in modern-day Shouripur, about 3 km away from Bateshwar, suggest that this site has been a thriving settlement under the Yadava clan. And it remained an important town under the Gurjar, Chandela and Bhadawar kings.
Image Gallery of Bateshwar Agra
Things to do in Bateshwar Agra
1. Taking blessings from Lord Shiva – Bateshwar Hindu temples are dedicated to Baba Bateshwar Mahadev (a form of Lord Shiva). And pilgrims come here from many far-off places to take his blessings. The village is also considered an important part of the Hindu pilgrimage circuit. It’s referred to as the “son of the dhams (abodes of God),” and it is to be visited once you have visited all four sacred Hindu dhams in India.
2. Exploring temple architecture – The beauty of Bateshwar village is the series of temples built on the banks of River Yamuna. This Bateshwar group of temples is lined along the crescent-shaped riverfront, and several of them have steps leading down to the water. These steps are used as ghats by devotees to bathe and pray with the river water. All the temples in Bateshwar Sthan are built in the traditional Hindu temple style, with decorative ceilings and ornamental walls. Some still retain their original frescos made with traditional vegetable paints.
3. Visiting nearby Jain temples – Bateshwar Jain Temple nearby is also worth visiting. The nearby Shouripur also has several beautiful Jain temples. They are dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar Neminath. And it’s an important pilgrimage site for both Digambar and Shwetambar sects of Jain devotees.
4. Attending livestock fair – Bateshwar mela (or fair) is an annual cattle fair organized in the village around October-November. It provides a vibrant and authentic glimpse of rural Indian life. Several animals, including camels, horses and elephants, are sold in the fair. You’ll also find makeshift shops selling household utensils, traditional handicrafts and cosmetics.
Bateshwar Mandir Timings and Entry Fees
You can visit Bateshwar Temple Agra anytime during the day. It’s open throughout the year, including the weekends and public holidays.
It’s best to visit the place in winter, between November and February, when the weather is the most comfortable for exploring the region. You might also get to see the annual livestock fair if you visit during the early winter days.
Although you can explore Bateshwar in 1-2 hours, it’s best to have a complete day to spare. The village is a little far from Agra. With a day in hand, you can comfortably explore the temples in Bateshwar and nearby and spend some time sitting by the river bank.
How to reach Bateshwar from Agra?
Agra to Bateshwar distance is about 80 km. It is 80 km from Idgah bus stand and Agra Cantt railway station as well. The nearest airport for Bateshwar is also in Agra, 83 km away. The nearest international airport, though, is in Delhi (283 km away).
Now, here are the different ways to reach Bateshwar in Agra –
By train – A regular Agra to Bateshwar train runs from Agra Cantt. It stops at Bateshwar Halt railway station, about 5 km away from Bateshwar Dham Temple. From the railway station, you can get auto/cycle rickshaws.
By bus – Buses also run between Agra and Bateshwar regularly. They drop you off the main road, about 3 km away from the temple complex. Auto/cycle rickshaws are available at the stop to take you to this revered pilgrim site.
By cab/taxi – You can also hire a private cab or taxi directly from Agra to Bateshwar Temple. Full-day cabs are the most convenient way to visit the destination. You can book them easily from the top car rental companies in Agra. They enable you to explore the temple complex and other nearby places without any hassle.
FAQs about Bateshwar Agra
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