Tourist places in and around Deogharh

Baidyanath Temple or Baijnath dham

The ancient temple of Lord Baijnath (shiva) enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which is also the only kamanalingam - a lingam that has power of fulfilling all the wishes of the devotees. A large number of pilgrims visit the temple, especially during the month of ‘shravan' (July-Aug). Devotees offer meetha dahi (sweet curd) to the presiding deity.

Other important shrines at Deogha complex are of Ma Sandhya, Mansa, Ma Bagla and Ma Kamakhya. Nearby is the Siva Ganga or Mansarovar water tank. Other attractions are, Naulakha Temple, Ramkrishna Mission School, Bawanbigha rose garden, Jugal Mandir, Lila Mandir and Kundeshwari temple. There are also many attractive spots ideal for picnics and excursions around Deoghar.

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 side walls-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 are somewhat later in origin that 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.

Deogarh Archaeological Museum

The site museum has a fine collection of sculpture, discovered from the surrounding.

Excursions

Chanderi

This town in M.P. is famous for its gossamer - like saris, 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, the Jama Masjid and ancient Jain temples.