RAJASTHAN TOURISM Tour Highlights Deogarh

Deogarh

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Deogarh, the fort of Gods, is situated on the right bank of the Betwa river, at the westernend of the Lalitpur range of hills and is 123 kms from Jhansi. It is of great antiquarian,epigaphical and archaeological importance. Due to its strategic location, on the main route to the Deccan, it was a constant bone of contention, and figures in the great 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. The natural setting of the fort is dynamic, which takes the visitor by surprise. The fort is entered through a corbelled gateway in the outer wall. A path has been cleared through the undergrowth, and broken statuary lie scattered in the premises. Within the fort is a remarkable group of 31 Jain temples, which were the renowned Jain centres from the 8th to the 17th centuries. Within the temples, are panels depicting scenes from the Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, Manasthamba or votive pillars, Ayagpattas or votive tablets, Sarvatobhadra Pratima's or Jain images visible from all sides and Sahasrakuta's or pillars carved with a thousand Jain figures. Most important among the group are Santinath temple. Among other important structures at Deogarh are the Varah temple, rock cut cave - Siddha-ki-Gufa, Rajghati and Naharghati. The architecture and sculpture of the Temples in Deogarh display a high level of craftsmanship.