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 lthe 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 magnficient , as it overlooks the vast reservoir created by the dam across the Betwa. The sandstone fort, partiallay in ruins, is currentlly being restord by the Archaeoligical Survey on India.

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 dedcated to Devi ( Amba or Durga) whose multifarious forms are represented in the profusely carve 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 . Only the pedestal , and the jewelled 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 goddes 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 Khajurabo , 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.

General Information :

Area : 4.64sq. km .
Population : 18,783
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 Mabkaushal Exp. Road : Barua Sagar lies 24 km from Jhanis en route to Mauranipur-Khajurabo.

Excursions

Jhansi :
Jhansi, the gateway to Bundelkhand, was a stronghold of the Chandella kings. It rose to Prominence again in the 17th century under Raja Bir Singh Deo. Its greatest claim to fame is tits 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 noes 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 the first half of the 17th century. Situated on the River Betwa, Orchha has nemerous well preserved palaces. These include the Jehangir Mahal and the Raj Mahal. Orchha'sfine temples are still in worship, and devotees throng the Ram Raja temple, the Chaturbhuj temple and the Laxmi Narayan Temple.