Deogarh
Tourism
Deogarh is situated on the right bank of the river Betwa at a distance
of 123 Kms. from Jhansi at the western end of the Lalitpur range of hills. Distance
of Deogarh from Lalitpur is 33 Kms.
Deogarh has great antiquarian, epigraphical and archaeological importance. This
town has figured prominently in the history. Traces and remains of the Guptas,
The Gurjara - Pratiharas, Gonds, Mughals, Bundelas, Marathas are implanted in
the surrounding of the town. Principal attraction of the town are Darticcotar
temple, a fine Vishnu temple of Gupta period and a group of old Jain temples.
The exquisite execution and beautifully carved panels of the temple have called
forth the remark that "few monuments can show such high level of workmanship,
combined with ripeness and rich refinement in its sculptural effect as the Gupta
temple at Deogarh".
Perhaps of somewhat later origin but no less rich in artistic, archaeological
and epigraphical value is a group of Jain temples situated inside the fort of
Karnali on the hill overlooking the river Betwa. Some 31 of these Jain temples
are still standing. The heavily ornamented ponds depict scenes and episodes
from Jain mythology, myths and moments in lives of Jain Tirthankars. There are
traces of outstanding craftsmanship, characteristic of Jain architecture and
sculpture as the Manastambha (votive pillar), Ayagapatta (votive tablet), Pratima-sarvato-bhadrika
(Jain image visible from all sides) and Sahastrakoot (pillars carved with thousand
Jain images).
The temple of Jain Tirthankar Shantinath is of unique importance of this place.
The shape of this idol, in this temple is based on religious and ethical background.
The Barah temple reminds one o the Chandela kings. Some other temples are Gajendra
Moksha, Nar-Narayan and Vishnu. The art of Vaishnavi architect is said to be
the soul of idol making in these temples. The style of construction of famous
Dashavtar temple is a proof of the said fact. Apart from the idol of lord Shiva
the sculpture and carvings of Pandava, Dropadi from the Mahabharat are of great
interest.
Some of the sculptures, related to Hindu holy book the Ramayan and that of lord
Krishna are also kept here.
There is an idol of Goddess possessing so many hands in the museum of Jain Dharmshala.
This idol is very attractive and is of very high antique value.
The languages used on different sculpture are Sanskrit, Prakrit or distorted
Hindi.
On the basis of inscriptions found in Deogarh it is derived that the art of
idol making on stone dates back to the period of 919 to 1600 AD. Some stone
cutting tools of the ancient times have also been discovered.
A special style of Gandhar facsimile can be found not only on idols of Jain
Tirthankars but also on statues of men and women depicted in Deogarh.
This spot is an attractive place on the bank of Vetravati. The top view, from
temple side of river Betwa is very picturesque because the river has converted
itself in a shape of a brook.
The land is full of various type of trees of botanical and natural values. The
thick forest on the hill is a haunt of wild animals. Red stone and firewood
are the two objects of commercial importance available in this area.
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