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Barua
Sagar is situated on the banks of the Betwa river. The place is named
after the Barua Sagar Tal, a large lake created about 260 years ago when
Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embankment. Here, atop a hill, is
another of the historic forts of Bundelkhand. This is where the Marathas
fought the Bundelas in 1744. the view from the fort is magnificient, as it
overlooks the vast resource created by the dam across the betwa. The
sandstone fort, partially in ruins, is currently being restored by the
Archaeological Survey of India.
Barua Sagar is also known for a beautiful temple, the Jarai-ka-Math.
Built during the reign of the Pratiharas, it is a repercussion 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. The main image of the deity is missing from the sanctum
sanctorum. Only the pedestal, and the jeweled right foot of a female
placed on a lotus stalk, remains. This detail is traditionally associated
with the goddess Tara or Mateswari. The placement of a miniature,
sixteen-armed image of a goddess on the central lintel of the entrance
further supports the conjecture that the temple is dedicated to a goddess.
Erotic sculptures, akin to those at Khajuraho, also grace the
Jarai-ka-Math.
Dated to approximately 860 AD, this red sandstone temple is a pancharata
shrine of the Panchayatan type, in which the main temple is surrounded by
four subsidiary shrines at the four corners. Declared a protected monument
by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1928, the temple is an excellent
example of early Pratihara architecture.
Barua Sagar is pleasant place, and its vast water body greatly enhances
its appeal.
| Area | : | 4.64sq. km. |
| Population | : | 18,783 (1991 census) |
| Altitude | : | 210 mtrs. Above sea level |
| Season | : | September-March |
| Clothing (summer) | : | Light Cottons |
| (winter) | : | Woollens |
| Language | : | Hindi, Bundeli |
| STD Code | : | 0519-83 |
ACCESSIBILITY
AIR
The nearest airports are Gwalior and Khajuraho.
RAIL
Barua Sagar lies on the Jhansi-Varanasi route. Some trains connecting
Barua Sagar are 1107/1108 Bundelkhand Exp; Jhansi-Manikpur passenger
train; 1450/1449 Mahakaushal Exp.
ROAD
Barua Sagar lies 24 km from Jhansi en route to Mauranipur-Khajuraho.
NEAREST UP TOURISM ACCOMMODATION Hotel Veerangana (UPSTDC), near Circuit
House, Jhansi. Ph: 0517-442402
EXCURSIONS
JHANSI
Jhansi, the gateway to Bundelkhand, was a stronghold of the Chandella
kings. It rose prominence again in the 17th century under Raja Bir Singh
Deo. It greatest claim to fame is its fiery queen Rani Laxmibai, who led
forces against the British is 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 Notghat). Orchha was founded in 1531 and remained a Rajput
capital till 1783. it's golden age was during the first half of the 17th
century. Situated on the River Bitwa, Orchha has numerous well preserved
places. 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.