Deogarh Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Deogarh

The Dashavatara Temple is one the earliest known temples in North India and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed to have been built during the Gupta period. The temple, which is mostly in ruins, depicts the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and has some interesting features, such as the carvings of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna on the doorway leading to the sanctum sanctorum and the carved panels of Vaishnava mythology.

The temple also features the idol of Lord Vishnu is a position of Nar Narayan Tapasya and another one which shows him reclining on a serpent. The temple is a major pilgrimage destination for the Hindus and attracts devotees all year round and more specifically during the time of festivities. It was the first temple in North India to have a shikara, though most of which has now disappeared.

The fort was built in 1057 by the Chandela ruler Kirtivarman. However, there are those who believe that it was built much earlier in the 9th century by the Pratihara rulers of Kannauj and later came under the control of the Chandelas. It was finally taken over by the Scindia family of Gwalior. The fort has an external wall except in the stretches where the hills slope towards the Betwa river. It has two entry gates, the hathi (elephant) darwaza and the Delhi darwaza. Within and outside the fort, there are several ancient Jain temples dating to the early and medieval period of India’s history.

Three major ghats, Nahar Ghat, the Rajghat and the Ghat, along with the Siddhi ki Gufa (the caves of the saints) provide an approach to the Betwa river.

Raj Ghat (kings steps) is one of the three ghats found in Deogarh. The ghat, along with the Nahar Ghat and ghat near the Siddhi cave, leads to the Betwa river. The ghats are dominated by the Deogarh Fort and along with the river Betwa present a pretty sight.

Several niches along the Raj Ghat house sculptures from the Gupta period. There are some statues and sculptures in an unfinished state. The ghat is of great archaeological significance.

Located near the Deogarh Fort at the banks of the Betwa river, there is a cluster of ancient Jain temples, some of which date back to the 8th and 9th centuries. These temples are located both within and outside the fort. These magnificent temples are of great archaeological interest and stand testimony to the architectural excellence of ancient India. The walls are covered with beautiful frescoes depicting Jain art, mythology and culture. The temples are made of red sandstone.

According to a survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), 31 Jain temples have been deciphered. All these temples date later to the Hindu temples found in this region. Depending on the time they were built, they have been categorised into two time periods: the early medieval period from 850 to 950 and the medieval period between 950 and 1150.

The Jain temples are a major pilgrimage destination for the Jain community. They also attract researchers from India and across the globe.

There are three major ghats in Deogarh notably the Nahar Ghat, the Raj Ghat and ghat leading to Siddi ki Gufa (the saints cave) on the Betwa river. These scenic ghats or flights of steps leading to the river Betwa are of great archaeological significance.

The Nahar (literally translated as boat) Ghat is located at the east end of the Deogarh Fort and comprises steep steps that lead down from the plateau of the fort to the Betwa river. The ghat is constructed parallel to the wall of the cliff and the river.

The cliffs above the ghat are studded with Gupta sculptures and inscriptions that date to various periods. Of the three ghats, the Nahar Ghat is considered richest and has several niches, which house lingas and various deities.

Deogarh is home to three major ghats: Nahar Ghat, Raj Ghat and the ghat leading to the Siddhi ki Gufa or the cave of the saint. This cave is an archaeological find and is located on a cliff wall along the descent from the Nehar Ghat. The cave itself is plain but on the right it has an image of the goddess Mahishasuramardini.

Deogarh had gained centre stage during the Gupta period. The area is of great archaeological interest and over time several excavations have been carried out here. The Deogarh Archaeological Museum houses relics, artefacts and other objects of interest found in this region.

These displays and exhibits bring to life the times of the Gupta period and throw light on the evolution of Jainism. The museum attracts historians and researchers who wish to study more about the monuments found in Deogarh and the displays found within the museum.