BARUA SAGAR
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Attractions: Barua Sagar Lake, Jarai-Ka-Math
Best Season: September to March
Languages: Hindi, Bundeli
THE LAND OF WARRIORS: Barua Sagar is situated on the banks of the Betwa River, the place is named after the Barua Sagar Taal, a large lake created about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embankment. Here, atop a hill, is another historic fort of Bundelkhand. This is where the Marathas fought the Bundelas in 1744. The view from the fort is magnificient, as it overlooks the vast reservoir created by the dam across the Betwa. The Archaeological Survey of India is currently restoring the sandstone fort, partially in ruins.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Fort of Bundelkhand: This historic fort, picturesquely located at a great height, commands an excellent view of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Kalijar Fort: Situated at a height of 700 ft, on the Vindhya ranges, this fort is accessible through seven gateways- the Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Dwar, Chauburji Darwaza, Buddh Bhandra Darwaza, Hanuman Dwar, Lal Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. Within the fort are two palaces- the Raja Mahal and the Rani Mahal, as well as several other places of interest.
Temples
Chandela Temples: To the northeast of the lake are ruins of two old Chandela temples. Built of granite, the older one is known as Ghughua Math.
Jarai Ka Math: Barua sagar is also known for a beautiful temple, the Jarai-Ka-Math. Built during the reign of the Pratiharas, it is a precursor to the vigorous temple-building activity, which became a characteristic feature of the Chandellas. The temple is dedicated to Devi (Amba or Durga) whose multifarious forms are represented in the profusely carved sculptures along the temple walls. The temple stands on elevated ground dominating its surroundings.
Neelkanth Temple: the Chandela ruler, Parmardideva, built this temple. In a niche by the rock-cut Swargarohan pool, stands a colossal 18-armed image of Kaal Bhairava, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva.
Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Temple: Located at the source of the Shivasari Ganga, this is also worth a visit.
Lakes
Barua Sagar Lake: The place is named after the Baruasagar Taal, a large lake formed about 260 years ago, when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha erected an embankment. Barua sagar is a pleasant place, and the vast water body of the Barua Sagar Taal greatly enhances its appeal.
EXCURSIONS
Jhansi: Jhansi, the gateway to Bundelkhand, was a stronghold of the Chandela kings. It rose to prominence again in the 17th century under Raja Bir Singh Deo. Its greatest claim to fame is its fiery queen Rani Laxmibai, who led forces against the British in 1857, sacrificing her life to the cause of Indian independence. A new dimension has been added to this historic city with the introduction of the Jhansi festival, held every year in February-March. It offers a fine opportunity to enjoy the arts, crafts and culture of the region.
Mahoba: 160 km (via Nawgaon) This lesser known destination has several lakes created in medieval times, the famous Sun Temple, and ruins of temples and other structures built in the same style as the ones at Khajuraho.
Orchha: 26 km (via Northgate). Orchha was founded in 1531 and remained a Rajput capital till 1783. Its golden age was during the first half of the 17th century. Situated on the River Betwa, Orchha has numerous well-preserved palaces. These include the Jehangir Mahal and the Raj Mahal. Orchha’s fine temples are still in worship, and devotees throng the Ram Raja Temple, the Chaturbhuj Temple and the Laxmi Narayan Temple.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airports are Gwalior and Khajuraho.
Rail: Barua Sagar lies the Jhansi - Varanasi routes.
PLACES TO STAY
Hotel Veerangana (UPSTDC), near Circuit House, Jhansi.
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NEARBY CITIES
Mahoba:160 km (via Nawgaon)
Orchha:26 km (via Northgate)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:4.64 sq. km.
Population:18,783 (1991 census).
Altitude:210 m above sea level.
Clothing:
Summer:Light cottons.
Winter:Woolens. |
