DEOGARH
Meaning: Fort Of Gods
Main attractions: 31 Jain Temples
Best Season: August To April
THE FORT OF GODS
Deogarh is situated on the bank of the Betwa River, at the western end of
the Lalitpur range of hills. Due to its strategic location on the main
route to the Deccan Plateau, it figures in the history of the Guptas, the
Gurjara- Pratiharas, the Gondas, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, the Marathas
and the British. As a result, it is of great antiquarian, epigraphical and
archaeological value today.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Temples
Dashavatar Temple:
This fine Gupta temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the earliest known
Panchyatan temple in north India. The terraced basement above the high
plinth is decorated with sculpted panels. The figures of
Ganga and
Yamuna adorn the carved doorway
leading to the sanctum sanctorum.
Three large carved panels along the side-walls - the Gajendramoksha
panel, the Nar Narayan Tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu, depict scenes
from Vaishnava mythology. Only the lower portion remains, of the spire,
which was the most important part of the temple.
Jain Temples:
These 31 Jain temples were built much after the Vishnu Temple, but are no
less remarkable. They are situated inside the fort of Kanali on the hills,
overlooking the Betwa.
The site was a Jain centre from the 6th to the 17th century. The temples
abound in panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images,
votive pillars, votive tablets, Jain images visible from all sides and
pillars carved with a thousand Jain figures.
EXCURSIONS
Chanderi:
This town, famous for its gossamer-like sarees, also has fine examples
of Rajput and Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal Fort dominates
the skyline. Among the interesting sites are the Koshak Mahal, the Badal
mahal, Victory Arch, Jama Masjid and ancient Jain temples.
Talbehat:
31 km, south of Lalitpur, Talbehat is situated on the Jhansi-Sagar
National Highway. It derived its name from Tal (Lake) and Behat
(village), in the language of Gonds, the original settlers at the site. In
1618, Bharat Shah, the king of Bar and Chanderi, built a fine fort with
the famous Narsingh temple inside.
Matatila Dam: (93 km)
This is an ideal picnic spot developed by the Irrigation Department.
Water-sports and a garden on the lines of the Vrindavan gardens are added
attractions.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is at
Gwalior
: 235 km.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Jakhlaun 13 km, on the
Jhansi-Babina passenger train route. Lalitpur is another railhead, 23 km
from Deogarh.
Road: It is connected with bus services to all important centres
in the region.
Local Transport: Bus, Private Jeeps, Private Cars.
PLACES TO STAY
Accommodation
is available at the Tourist Bungalow and at the Jain Dharamshala in
Deogarh.
OTHER INFORMATION
Reservation Centre: Manager, Tourist Bungalow, Deogarh or
advance reservation centres of U.P. Tourism.
Nearest Post Office: Jakhlaun 13 km.
Nearest Hospital: Jakhlaun - 13 km.
Restaurants: Tourist Bungalow Restaurant, Shri Digambar Jain Dharamshala
Kitchen.
NEARBY CITIES
Jakhlaun: 13-km
Lalitpur: 23-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 5 sq. km.
Population: 350 (1991 census).
Altitude: 211 m above sea level.
Festivals: Jain Mela and Gajrath Mahotasav.
Know more about this Package !!!
279/A, Masjid Moth, South Extention - II
New Delhi - 110 049 (INDIA)
Tel : +91-11-4164 3999 / 2626 2004
Fax : +91-11-2625 9695
Email : info@indiainfoweb.com


