Dudhai Group of Monuments, Lalitpur – The Group of Monuments

Dudhai Group of Monuments, Lalitpur – The Group of Monuments

Dudhai Village consists of thirteen protected monuments and found scattered around the village. The monuments are grouped under four categories namely the Larger & Lesser Surang Group (consists of Shiva Temples, Varaha Idols & Jain Temples), Chausath Yogini Temple, Rock Cut Narasimha Temple and Bania Ki Barat & the ruins.

Lesser Surang:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/11/lesser-surang-dudhai-uttar-pradesh.html

Larger Surang:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/11/larger-surang-dudhai-uttar-pradesh.html

Mahadev Temple:

The Temple is built over a raised platform. Only the sanctum of the temple remains now. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga in it. The Temple is situated on the back side of Lesser Surang Temple.

Varaha Idols:

There are two idols of Varaha in Dudhai village. The larger Varaha Idol is situated next to Larger and Lesser Surang Temples. This idol is similar to the Varaha image of the Varaha Temple, Khajuraho. The body of the Varaha is carved with gods and goddesses of Hindu pantheon. Dashavatara images of Lord Vishnu can be seen on the back of the Varaha. The smaller Varaha idol is situated on the banks of the lake. This Varaha is called as Bacha (Little Pig) by the locals.

Adinatha Temple:

The Temple consists of sanctum and a four pillared mukha mandapa. The lintel of the sanctum doorway has Adinatha in padmasana posture. The sanctum enshrines a 12 feet tall image of Adinatha in kayotsarga mudra. Carvings of a bull and deer can be seen on the pedestal of the image. A bull and a deer is engraved on the base pitha of the image. The central image of Adinatha is flanked by an image of Adinatha in dhyana mudra on the left side and by an image of Parsvanatha in kayotsarga mudra on the right side. There is also an image of Parshvanatha in dhyana mudra can be seen in the sanctum.

Shantinatha Temple:

This Temple is dedicated to Shantinatha, 16^th Jain Thirthankara. Only the sanctum of the temple has survived the ravages of the time. The sanctum enshrines a 12 feet tall image of Shantinatha in padmasana posture. He is flanked by Parshvanatha on both sides in Kayotsarga mudra.

Chausath Yogini Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/11/chausath-yogini-temple-dudhai-uttar-pradesh.html

Rock Cut Narasimha Image:

This 34 feet high rock cut Narasimha image is situated in the hilly forest area, little far from the center of the village. This image is said to have been excavated during the Gupta period. Hiranyakasipu being torn apart can be seen across the thighs of Lord Narasimha. The image is primitive in terms of iconography.

Location

Baniya ki Barat:

This Temple complex consists of Badi and Choti Barat temple. As per legend, two brothers namely Devpat and Khovpat were living in Devgarh. It is said that they owned a philosopher’s stone (Paras Mani). The philosopher’s stone  made them very rich. They constructed several temples in the region. It is said that the Badi and Choti Barat temples at Dudhai were built by them. The temples in the complex are in dilapidated state. Sculptures and architectural fragments can be seen around the temple complex.