Madhya Pradesh, aptly nicknamed the “Heart of Incredible India” for its central location, is a treasure trove for sightseers. It boasts a rich cultural and spiritual legacy.
Scattered throughout the state are magnificent landmarks, intricately carved temples, stupas, forts, and palaces. A stunning collection of buildings from the Gurjara-Pratihara and Gupta dynasties exemplifies the architectural mastery of a bygone era. The wonders of the Padavali, Bateshwar, and Mitaoli temples are all situated within a short distance of Gwalior.
Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of the Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla said Madhya Pradesh is an offbeat multispecialty destination of first choice and it beholds the potential to offer unique and memorable tourism experience for all tourists based on their interests. The state has gained soaring popularity and set a new tourism record in tourist footfalls in 2023, 3 times in 2022! (112.1 million as compared to 34.1 million). Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is coming up with forward-thinking innovations from introducing adventurous activities, immersive travel opportunities, safe travel options, and eco-tourism initiatives to enhance the travel experience by. The Heart of Incredible India offers a perfect blend of breathtaking architecture, immaculate landscapes, and traditional customs. In a nutshell, it provides a one-stop shop for visitors from both domestic and international locations.
Mitaoli: An Enchanting Circular Temple
Mitaoli is a town where the renowned Chausath Yogini Temple resides. The temple is perched on a hill embraced by lush greenery. A climb of around 100 steps will take you to the grandeur of this impressive circular temple. As inscriptions within the sanctuary claim, this ancient sanctum is said to have been built by Maharaja Devapala. Interestingly, the Parliament House in Modern Delhi is believed to have been inspired by the circular plan and architectural complexities of the Mitaoli temple! Additionally, it is said that Mitaoli, Padavali, and Bateshwar formed a brilliant triangle where a university existed approximately 1,000 years ago! This esteemed learning centre situated in Madhya Pradesh was said to be a hub for imparting knowledge in Arithmetic, Astrology, and Hinduism to students using sunbeams.
Bateshwar: A Cluster of Serene Temples
The Bateshwar temples are a congregation of nearly 200 small-scale sandstone splendours dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Spread over 25 acres of land, these sanctums were built on sloping hills near Padavali. The temples were constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries AD, likely during the Gurjara-Pratihara era. Interestingly, the surrounding wilderness is teeming with beautiful birds like peacocks, parakeets, and kingfishers. One can often spot the national bird, the peacock, roosting and displaying on the rooftops of the temples.
Padavali Fort: A Legacy in Stone
Approximately 25 kilometres from the city of Morena lies the imposing Padavali Fort, built in the 18th century by the Jat Rana rulers of Dhaulpur. Benevolently guarded by statues of a lion and lioness, the fort also houses a temple that once served as a sacred place to worship Lord Shiva. Every stone used in the construction of the fort and temple has a story to tell through its intricate carvings and inscriptions.
A Glimpse into Madhya Pradesh’s Glorious Past
The columns, lintels, and pillars are adorned with carved scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. The divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are depicted throughout their childhood, youth, and later years. Even more, carvings portray Krishna Leela, Samudra Manthan, the wedding of Ganesha, Shiva dancing in his fearsome form, the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and countless other deities and goddesses.
All three locations stand as grand testaments to Madhya Pradesh’s rich architectural history, leaving visitors mesmerized. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is working diligently to ensure that these places are not missed by those exploring the wonders of Madhya Pradesh.
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