Lesser Surang, Dudhai, Uttar Pradesh

Lesser Surang, Dudhai, Uttar Pradesh

Lesser Surang is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Hindu trinity (Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma), located in Dudhai Village in Lalitpur Tehsil in Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The Temple is also called as Choti Sarai. The Temple is called Lesser Surang as its shikara is not taller than the shikara of the Larger Surang Temple. The temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built by prince Devalabdhi, son of Krishnapa and Asarva and grandson of the Chandela King Yashovarman (925–950 CE) as per the inscriptions in this temple. There are about six inscriptions found in this temple.

The Temple

The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The shrine on the north is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the shrine on the south is dedicated to Lord Brahma and the shrine on the west is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is built over a raised platform and can be accessed through a flight of steps.

All the three shrines are connected to the common Maha Mandapa without any vestibule. The Maha Mandapa is further connected to the entrance porch on the east. The porch and Maha Mandapa had lost its roof. The four central pillars once supported the roof can be seen in the Maha Mandapa. The shrine of Vishnu is completely lost and the shikara over the shrine of Lord Shiva is also completely lost.

The lintel of the sanctum doorway of  the shrine of Lord Shiva is decorated with Navagrahas and Sapta Matrikas. It has Nataraja on its lalatabimba with Lord Vishnu and Brahma on its corners. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. The shrine of Brahma is somehow intact and retains its shikara in dilapidated state. The lintel of the sanctum doorway of  the shrine of Lord Brahma is decorated with Navagrahas and Sapta Matrikas.

It has Lord three headed Brahma riding his swan vehicle on its lalatabimba with Goddess Gayatri and Savitri on its corners. The sanctum is empty. As per a pilgrim’s record, the sanctum once housed an idol of Chaturmukha Brahma with his consort Savitri. The Temple is called Lesser Surang as its shikara is not taller than the shikara of the Larger Surang Temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Dhaura Railway Station, 37 Kms from Lalitpur, 38 Kms from Lalitpur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Malthone, 40 Kms from Lalitpur Airport, 128 Kms from Jhansi, 206 Kms from Bhopal and 211 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Dudhai is located at about 24 Kms off Betna on the Lalitpur to Malthone route.

Location