Deogarh - the fort of the Gods

Just 123 km from Jhansi, Deogarh lying in the present districtof Lalitpur, is of great antiquarian, epigraphical and archaeological importance andhas figured in the history of the Guptas, the Gurjara - Pratiharas, the Gondas, theMuslim 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 theLalitpur 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 passesthrough 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.

WHAT TO SEE Dashavatar Temple : The fine Vishnu temple at Deogarh belonging to theGupta period, popularly known asthe Dashavatar Temple is the earliestknown Panchayatan temple of northIndia. The terraced basement abovethe high temple plinth is adornedwith a continuous row of sculpturedpanels. A highly carved doorway with Ganga -Yamuna figures lead to thesanctum or garbhagriha.Three bigrathika panels set in the side wallshave Vaishnava mythological scenescarved in high relief - the Gajendramoksha panel, Nara-Narayan tapasyaand the Anantshayi Vishnu. TheDashavatar Temple at Deogarh isnoted for being the first northernIndian 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 upto 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) andSahastrakuta (pillar carved with a thousand Jaina figures) are found here.

AROUND DEOGARH Chanderi : A town that is famous for its gossamer Chanderi saris has alsosome of the finest examples of Bundela Rajput and Malwa Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughalfort dominates the skyline of this interesting old town. Among the sights here are the KoshakMahal, 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 andthe Parmeshwar Tal. Chanderi has also a number of ancient Jain temples.