Location: Uttar Pradesh
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, epigraphically and archaeological value today.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

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 sidewalls - 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, and Private Cars.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area:5 sq. km.
Population:350 (1991 census).
Altitude:211 m above sea level.
Festivals:Jain Mela and Gajrath Mahotasav.