Bateshwar temples are a group of around 200 Hindu temples and their ruins. They spread across the northern region of Madhya Pradesh state in India. Sandstone construction is the specialty of these temples. Their architecture is that of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty period.

Ruins of Bateshwar Group of Temples. This photo is from TripAdvisor.

Bhuteshvar Temple is the largest of all such temples. Hence the name Bateshwar temples or Batesvar temples or Batesara temples. 

The Batesara temples were believed to be destroyed during the 13th century. In 1882, Alexander Cunningham found them and reported them. It was notified as a protected site in 1920 by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Archaeological Survey of India reconstructed the damaged temple in 2005.  KK Muhammad, an official from the Archaeological Survey of India, played the lead role in this project. However, Muhammad faced many problems, including that of Chambal bandits. But he was able to overcome those problems.  He is still working on the restoration of the remaining temples. Besides, 80 other temples were also restored.

Bateshwar temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Shakti, which are considered the three major traditions within Hinduism. These temples were built between the 8th and the 10th centuries. Also, quite a few stepped water tanks are there near these temples.

Bateshwar temples were constructed during the reign of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty or the reign of the Pratihara Empire. They are referred to as Dharon or Paravali in historical literature. Later on, these sites came to be known as Padavali.

As the temples and nearby areas are yet to be developed as tourist areas, many birds can be seen here. Peacocks, kingfishers, etc., can be seen freely roaming or flying around the temples.

How Do I Go to Bateshwar temples?

Batesvar temples are at a distance of 35 kilometers north of Gwalior city. It is also at a distance of 30 kilometers east of Morena city.

Rethorakalan Railway Station is the nearest railway station, at around four kilometers distance from the main temple. Sanichara, Malanpur, Nurabad, Banmor, Bhadroli, Nonera, Sank, Rayaru, Bamour Gaon, etc, are some of the other nearby railway stations within a distance of 10 kilometers from Bateshwar temples or Batesvar temples or Batesara temples.

The nearest major airport to the Batesara temples is Gwalior Airport. It is at the Maharajpur Air Force Station, 10 kilometers northeast of Gwalior city.

Archaeological Museum at Morena

There is an Archaeological Museum in Morena town. It has a lot of sculptures unearthed from various sites in the region.