Deogarh Jain Tirth

Deogarh, Madhya Pradesh

Just 123 Kilometers from Jhansi, Deogarh lying in the present district of Lalitpur, is of great antiquarian, epigraphically and archaeological importance andhas figured in the history of the Guptas, the Gurjara - Pratiharas, the Gondas, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, of Kalpi, the Marathas and the British.

Deogarh is situated on the right bank of the Betwa, at the western end of the Lalitpur range of hills. The cliffs immediately overhanging the bank rise to a height of 300 feet and form along steep ridge of red sandstone. The river takes a deep curve to the west at this juncture and passes through the extremely picturesque country side. The water of the river is deep green here and a small islandclad in rich verdure, located in the middle of the river, lends an added charm to the site.

How To Get There : 
By Air - Nearest airport is Gwalior - 235 Kilometers
By Rail - Nearest railway station is Lalitpur - 33 Kilometers
By Road - Deogarh is connected with regular bus services from Lalitpur and other parts of the state.

What To See : 
Dashavatar Temple : The fine Vishnu temple at Deogarh belonging to the Gupta period, popularly known as the Dashavatar Temple is the earliest known Panchayatan temple of north India. The terraced basement abovethe high temple plinth is adorned with a continuous row of sculptured panels. A highly carved doorway with Ganga - Yamuna figures lead to the sanctum or garbhagriha. Three bigrathika panels set in the side walls have Vaishnava mythological scenes carved in high relief - the Gajendramoksha panel, Nara - Narayan tapasyaand the Anantshayi Vishnu. The Dashavatar Temple at Deogarh isnoted for being the first northern Indian temple with a shikhara or spire. Only the lower part of the shikhararemains today.

Manastambha - Jain Temple Jain Shrines : The group of 31 Jaintemples, though of a later date, are no less remarkable. The site was a Jain centre from the post-Gupta times up to the 17th century. Panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, a Manastambha (votive pillar), Ayagpatta (votive tablet) Sarvato Bhadra Pratima (Jaina images visible from all sides) and Sahastrakuta (pillar carved with a thousand Jaina figures) are found here.

Arounddeogarh :
Chanderi : A town that is famous for its gossamer Chanderi saris has also some of the finest examples of Bundela Rajput and Malwa Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal fort dominates the skyline of this interesting old town. Among the sights here are the Koshak Mahal, an old palace said to have been commissioned by Mahmud Khilji in 1445, the Badal Mahal Gate - a victory arch, the imposing Jama Masjid, the Shahzadi ka Rouza, a building with decorative arches and the Parmeshwar Tal. Chanderi has also a number of ancient Jain temples.

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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
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