Submerged Ancient Hindu Temples Travel Guide & Tourism in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh

The Submerged Ancient Hindu Temples in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, tell a fascinating tale of history and loss. Constructed between the 10th and 16th centuries, these temples once stood proudly in the old town of Bilaspur. However, the rising backwaters of the Bhakra-Nangal Dam on the Sutlej River submerged the town in 1963-64, including 30 temples. Today, some dozen temples of great archaeological importance are set to be reclaimed by the State government. During autumn, after the monsoon season, only the very tops of these temples can be seen above the water surface, resembling small haystacks. In spring, when the water levels recede, the Sutlej River seems to return to its previous course, allowing access to the temples on dry land for a few months.

Despite their partial submersion, these temples hold immense historical and cultural significance. The temple of the blessed God Vishnu, located near the coastal edge of the Gobind Sagar reservoir, is one such example. While it has not been submerged for long periods, it has still suffered damage from the sand and pebbles carried by the river. Walking on the dry bottom, which is cut by deep cracks, visitors can see more temples almost half-buried in water, with the bottom covered in silt and sand. The seasonal fluctuations in water levels also allow locals to cultivate fertile fields and vegetable gardens on the coastal land. During Hindu festivals, crowds of believers visit the temples that emerge from the water, offering incense sticks and altarage to the invisible gods. Read more on Submerged Ancient Hindu Temples in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.