Yaksha Manibhadra Archaeological Site, Pawaya
Ancient 1st-2nd century CE Yaksha sanctuary commemorating the famous colossal inscribed Manibhadra sculpture
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🛣️ Distance & Exact Road Route Matrix
100% Road Distance| Starting Hub | Road Distance | Estimated Time | Transit Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Collectorate (GPS Geodesic) | 68 km (Straight-line) | Map Benchmark | Road ~78 km |
| Shivpuri Bus Stand | 78 km | Depends on route and traffic | Auto, E-rickshaw, Taxi, Private Car |
| Shivpuri Railway Station (SVPI) | 80 km | Depends on route and traffic | Station Taxi & Auto Stand |
| Court Road Office (Bharti Infotech) | 78 km | Depends on route and traffic | City E-rickshaw / Walking / Bike |
| Gwalior Airport (GWL) | 65 km | Depends on route | NH-46 4-lane National Highway |
| Jhansi Junction (VGLJ) | 75 km | Depends on route | NH-27 East-West Corridor |
🚗 Road Route Details: Road Distance: Approximately 78 km from Shivpuri via Narwar to the Pawaya archaeological precinct.
⚠️ Road Distance Disclaimer: Distances are catalog estimates, not independently verified routes. Road and straight-line distances differ. Confirm the visitor entrance and route before travel.
🚗 How to Reach (Air, Rail, Road & Local Transit)
✈️ Nearest Airport (By Air)
Gwalior Airport (GWL, 65 km).
🚆 Nearest Rail Hub (By Train)
Dabra Railway Station (35 km).
🛣️ Highway Road Access (By Road)
Accessible by road from Narwar or Dabra.
🛺 Local Transit Guidance
From the local tehsil bus stand or main highway junction, dedicated auto-rickshaws (minimum fare ₹50 to ₹100) and shared vehicles are available.
🏨 Nearby Hotels & Recommended Stays
✓ Verified Contacts & TariffsMPT Tourist Village, Shivpuri
📍 Near Bhadaiya Kund, Circular Road, Shivpuri
💰 ₹2,800 – ₹4,800
Serene natural ambiance, multi-cuisine restaurant, lush gardens, near Bhadaiya Kund
Hotel Sonchiraiya (MPT Associate)
📍 Circular Road, Shivpuri
💰 ₹2,200 – ₹3,800
Family rooms, AC cottages, conference lawn, near National Park bypass
Hotel Siya Glitz / Landmark
📍 A.B. Road / Jhansi Road, Shivpuri
💰 ₹1,800 – ₹3,200
Modern amenities, restaurant, close to Shivpuri Bus Stand and SVPI Station
📜 A to Z Verified History & Architecture
Era: Kushana-Naga Transition Period (1st-2nd Century CE)The Yaksha Manibhadra archaeological mound at Pawaya is celebrated in Indian art history for yielding a colossal inscribed stone statue of Yaksha Manibhadra. The pedestal inscription in early Brahmi script records its installation during the reign of King Shivanandi by a guild of Manibhadra devotees. The monumental original statue is conserved at the Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum in Gwalior.
Key Historical Milestones:
- 1st-2nd century CE site marking ancient mercantile guilds worshipping Yaksha Manibhadra.
- Pedestal preserves a historically critical Brahmi inscription naming King Shivanandi.
- A landmark discovery bridging Indian epigraphy, commerce, and pre-Gupta sculpture.
🙏 Living Folklore, Beliefs & Cultural Traditions
✨ Primary Local Legend & Belief:
Ancient traveling merchant caravans worshipped Yaksha Manibhadra as the divine protector of trade expeditions.
🌸 Cultural & Social Significance:
Remarkable evidence of ancient guild culture and early folk religious pantheons.
🎪 Annual Festivals & Traditional Fairs:
- Regional Traditional Fair & Sacred Festivities
ℹ️ Visitor Practical Guide (Timings, Entry & Advisory)
🕒 Timings:
Sunrise to Sunset
🎟️ Entry Ticket:
Free Entry
🌤️ Best Season to Visit:
October to March for exploring the historical mounds.
⚠️ Safety Advice:
Exercise care around natural waterways and rocky terrain; observe local safety advisories.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the original colossal Manibhadra statue housed at this site?
The statue was excavated from this mound, but for conservation the original is displayed at the Gujari Mahal Museum in Gwalior; the site itself is reachable by road.