Devgarh (UP)

Devgarh (UP)
Shri Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra, Devgarhji Village-Devgarh, Sub District & District- Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh) Pin-284 403 Phone nos.: 05176-276311(Secretary), 282533(Kshetra)

Devgarh is situated on the banks of river Belwa, about 33 kms from Lalitpur. The river encirles Devgarh from three sides. It has been referred to as Lauchcchagira in a ninth century inscription of the King Bhoja. This temple complex is constructed on the site of an old fort known as Karnali Fort. There are many temples inside, more than forty, all constructed with the remains of old temples.

The main idol is of Bhagwan Shantinath which is over 12.3 feet in a reddish coloured stone. It is believed that this place was named as Devagadh in the 12th or the 13th century. This city was named as Devagadh because it is believed that gods constructed it. There are many ancient idols of various artistry. That is also a reason why it was named Devagadh. On stone inscriptions and pillars of this place, there are inscriptions belonging to the period from the eight to the fifteenth century. Works of art seem to belong to a period earlier than the Gupta age. This tirth presents ancient idols of gods and goddesses, yaksas and yaksinis. Their artistic styles are varied. Pavilion and pillars are splendid specimens of sculpture. On the hills, there are 31 large temples. In all the temples, there are ancient specimens of distinct art. There is also a stone inscription with carvings in eighteen scripts. This is the only place where one can find 40 Jain temples and 29 'manastambhas', all of which are centuries old. The temples belong to 'Gupta', 'Gurjar', 'Pratihar' and 'Chandel' era. Few temples are on the adjoining hill, while others are on the river bank.